Anton joined West Ham as a trainee in December 2002 and was handed his full debut in August 2003 when he started on the opening day of the season. The next season (2004/2005) he cemented his first team place as West Ham earned promotion back to the Premier League with a win in the play-off final. Anton was rewarded for his key defensive performances with a new three-year contract.

His loyalty was rewarded in 2006, when along with winning the player of the month award for January, Anton starred in West Ham’s sensational run to the FA Cup Final, which they unfortunately lost on penalties to Liverpool after a remarkable game.

On 27 August 2008, Ferdinand signed for Sunderland for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £8 million. Since his move, he has found great popularity with the fans and is looking forward to having a great season to gain him a place in England’s 2010 World Cup Squad.

Anton has played regularly for England U21’S and has 17 caps, his last one coming in England’s epic 13-12 penalty shoot-out defeat against Holland in the 2007 UEFA Under 21 Championship semi-final.

Anton has always been passionate about helping disadvantaged children across the world and runs his own soccer school in Uganda. It was on one of his visits to the country that he visited Right To Play project sites and after witnessing our fantastic local coaches, Anton joined Right To Play as an ambassador in Summer 2009.