Rio in Rio

Rio in Rio is a personal insight into the 2014 World Cup in Brazil from the former England and Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand. This is Ferdinand the football fan, pundit and traveller as he explores the city of Rio during football's greatest show on earth. This trip has opened up a whole new world for Rio. While the focus has been on the pitch over the past month and Rio has been learning the ropes in broadcasting, he has also been meeting 'Cariocas', as the locals are known, to sample a city famous for its beauty, beach culture, good food, party music and to get their views on the World Cup in a country that hasn't fully welcomed the tournament at a time of major social and economic problems across Brazil. How is the World Cup affecting their everyday lives, and who will benefit when the show leaves town? The man from Peckham is an active campaigner on racism, poverty and inner city violence, and first up he visits one of the favelas and community sports projects where some of the poorest live. The journey continues with a visit into the rainforest some 100 miles outside the city to see his good friends and former Manchester United team mates the da Silva twins, who welcome him into their extended family home to sample Brazil's first match of the tournament. This is a learning experience for Rio, who follows England's tournament through new eyes as a pundit, fan and friend. From sitting among the fans on his first visit to the Maracana stadium to local bars, this is Rio adapting to life as a non-international player. This is the 2014 World Cup as Rio Ferdinand experiences it!