Edwin Van Der Sar is a hero amongst Manchester United fans, and will always be remembered for his shootout heroics as the club won the 2008 Champions League Final, but no fan could pay the calming Dutchman a better tribute than what Rio Ferdinand has done to celebrate Big Ed's birthday.
Rio enjoyed his best period as a footballer in a rock-solid partnership with Nemanja Vidic that was made what it was by having Van Der Sar behind them, so he appreciates the man more than most, but every United fan should agree with his sentiment here.
Aww.
The signing of Van Der Sar from Fulham was not heralded as the coup that it should have been when it actually happened, mainly because few expected the Dutchman to continue playing at the highest level until he was 40, but quickly it became apparent what a fantastic signing he was.
Considering the troubles that followed Peter Schmeichel's departure, Van Der Sar was exactly what the club needed, and doesn't Rio know it.
