Manchester United defensive stalwart Rio Ferdinand has claimed that he lost a staggering 4 kilograms in the Premier League champions 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka in a pre-season friendly in Japan on Friday. The Red Devils needed a last gasp equalizer from new signing Wilfried Zaha against the J-League outfit as they barely managed to avoid their third defeat in four outings of their pre-season tour of Asia.

But the former England international defender believes the team will benefit from the workout they got in Japan, claiming that it was one of the toughest conditions he has ever played in and it will hold the United players in good stead and they will be a lot fitter as a result.

Speaking to the media, the 34 year old defender stated that he thinks the fitness level of the players is returning to an optimum. He mentioned that the conditions were perhaps the hardest he has ever played in, and that is keeping in mind the fact that he was a part of the England team that played in Korea and Japan in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He went on to add that he lost 4 kilograms in body fluids and that tells a lot about how hard the conditions were.
Rio Ferdinand admitted that he had told the players before the match that he has never had an easy game against any of the Japanese sides before, stating that when they play against these teams, they always give their 100% and play well.

Ferdinand also mentioned that these teams are very good tactically and comfortable on the ball as well and as a result, it was a good test for the players as they find their feet again after the off season and Rio Ferdinand admits that they are well on their way.