Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he's a big soaps fan.

"People have a vision of what footballers do in their spare time and it's nothing like that. I'm not in nightclubs every night, that's for sure," the England international told the Daily Star.

"I spend a lot of time looking after my two boys Lorenz and Tate, who was only born in August. I also spend a lot of time listening to music and watching Corrie and EastEnders. That's all I do. I'm an avid fan. I always make sure I get home in time to watch them.

"People think footballers have a flash lifestyle. But most of the top players at the top teams haven't got the time to be going on the red carpet for new movies and big fancy nightclubs. Our lives are quite boring compared to what people expect. I've got a few years left in me yet. I've been working very hard on and off the pitch on my physical and mental stuff."

A source close to the player said: "Rio absolutely loves Coronation Street. It takes his mind off the pressures of playing at Manchester United. He is like an adopted Mancunian.

"But he is also a massive fan of EastEnders. He knows all about the East End from his days at West Ham."