Few in the history of football have achieved such greatness so young and so fast as Rio Ferdinand. Signed by West Ham at the age of 17, it wasn't long before he was selected to represent his country at international level. At 21, he was transferred to Leeds for £18 million, then a record for a defender, where his skill and hard work soon earned him his captaincy. After his unforgettable performance against Denmark in the 2002 World Cup, he has been signed to Manchester United for £30 million and once more broken all records. So how exactly did Rio get to be so good?

Here, Clarkson reveals the secrets behind Rio's talent and incredible ambition by talking to those who know him best. The book takes a look at his childhood on the rough streets of Peckham, how the death of classmate Steven Lawrence affected him, his controversial behaviour in Cyprus and, of course, the magic that can keep stadiums spellbound.