22/07/2012 00:06, Report by Adam Marshall

United legend Bryan Robson has paid tribute to Rio Ferdinand as the defender celebrates the 10th anniversary of his signing for the club.

The superb acquisition has looked every inch the world-class defender he promised to be after joining from Leeds in 2002 and is captaining the club on the DHL tour after shrugging off niggling injury problems.

Ambassador Robson, who is also on the trip, agrees with Sir Alex Ferguson that there is still plenty of football left in the experienced centre-back.

"He has had a great career with the club," Robson told ManUtd.com. "There's no reason why he shouldn't last a lot longer.

"Rio is a naturally fit lad with no weight on him. He's a good athlete. He's been having a few problems with his back but the boss is good in the way he can nurse Rio through that side of it.

"As long as Rio has the desire to want to keep going, there's no reason why he can't play quite a few more years, especially being a centre-half."

More:  Rio targets 30 games | Exclusive Ferdinand podcast