Rio Ferdinand targeting FA Cup with Manchester United

The defender has never lifted the trophy

Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra of Manchester United visits Manley Beach as part of their pre-season tour (GETTY IMAGES)

Although most people within the game will be focusing on the Champions League and next summer's World Cup, Rio Ferdinand has a gap on his personal CV that leaves his ambitions much closer to home.

Ferdinand, 34, has won almost every trophy on offer in the club game but the FA Cup has proved elusive throughout his career, despite his 11 years of success at Old Trafford.

The former England skipper was banned following his missed drugs test when United last lifted the trophy in 2004 and has been on the losing side in two finals - a penalty shoot-out defeat to Arsenal in 2005 and an extra-time loss to Chelsea in the first final at the new Wembley Stadium two years later.

With his Red Devils' testimonial just a week away, Ferdinand has tasted success in the Champions League and has also collected six Premier League winners' medals as well as two League Cups, four Community Shields and the World Club Cup.

But he admits he will feel a little aggrieved if the FA Cup, with all of its accompanying history and tradition, is not added to that glittering list of accolades by the time he hangs up his boots.

"It is something that gets on my nerves a little bit but this year hopefully I can win it," he told Press Association Sport.

"If I retire I don't think it is something that would really kill me but if we won it I would be delighted."

Having grown up at a time when the FA Cup was deemed to be one of the biggest prizes in the game, Ferdinand remains determined to join a select band of players lucky enough to raise the famous trophy aloft.

"I used to watch it as a kid, FA Cup final weekend used to be massive - I understand what it means to win the FA Cup and I would love to be part of that," he added.

"To win it would be great. It is the same as everything, if you're successful and winning it then it never loses that sparkle. Most clubs don't win it, those that do love it and we certainly still want to win it."

PA

:: Rio: My Decade as a Red is published in hardback by Bonnier Books, £20. Out on Friday August 9.