'I'll keep on tweeting': Rio Ferdinand defends Twitter use in wake of Ashley Cole 'choc ice' comment fallout

BROTHERS: Anton and Rio Ferdinand

By Matt Simpson

Manchester United centre back Rio Ferdinand says he has no plans to quit Twitter despite the Football Association asking him to explain a tweet concerning Ashley Cole.

The Manchester United defender found himself in hot water with football bosses earlier this month after he responded to one of his follower’s tweets labelling Chelsea’s Ashley Cole as a ‘choc ice’.

But prolific tweeter Ferdinand, 33, says the site allows him to communicate with his fans and he will continue to use what he see as ‘fun’, regardless of the risk of controversy or personal insults that may come his way.

Speaking from Shanghai on United’s preseason tour, he is quoted by several papers as saying: "I treat it as fun. I don't take it too seriously, to be honest.

"Twitter is something that lets fans get a bit closer to you, letting them see you do everyday things. A lot of fans presume that you're at the opening of a bar, nightclub or a premiere every other night.

"They don't realise you've got a normal life in most ways.”

The FA has called on Ferdinand to provide clarification regarding his tweets; however it is unclear as yet whether he will receive any disciplinary action.

The tweet had concerned Cole’s involvement as a witness in Ferdinand’s brother, Anton’s, racism court case against John Terry.

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