Rio Ferdinand recalls cutting ties with Frank Lampard

Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the breakdown of his relationship with Frank Lampard during their respective spells at Manchester United and Chelsea, admitting the pair were solely focused on winning trophies, a UK paper reports.

Ferdinand and Lampard first forged a bond at West Ham, yet they later lost contact when medals were up for grabs.

The former Hammers duo and Joe Cole all broke through at the club under Lampard's uncle Harry Redknapp in 1999 and became permanent first-team members.

Speaking on BT Sport ahead of Man City's clash with Newcastle at the Etihad, Ferdinand said about competing against friends: 'It does [impact your friendships]. 

'It is well documented Frank Lampard and I grew up together at West Ham. When he went to Chelsea and I went to Manchester United, we didn't speak.