Ferdinand in dreamland ahead of Final

Rio Ferdinand will be living the dream when he plays in the Champions League final on Wednesday night. He could retain the captain's armband as well against Chelsea if Ryan Giggs is on the bench. The Manchester United defender has been one of the club's most influential players this season. Ferdinand said: 'It is a cliche but this match is the stuff of dreams. 'These opportunities do not come around every weekend. You have to step up to the moment when it comes. The last time Ferdinand was in the Luzhniki stadium he had the disappointment of seeing England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008 take a dive when they lost 2-1 to Russia on an artificial pitch which was heavily watered.