Rio Launches Online Magazine

You may have missed it amid a hectic end to the season, but United defender Rio Ferdinand has launched his very own digital magazine.

The bi-monthly tome, named #5 after Rio's shirt number for United and England, covers sport, personality and style, and is available for free from www.rioferdinand.com.

Editor-at-large Rio has launched the magazine to provide insight into what interests him in his roles as a footballer, icon and parent. “I’m excited to announce the launch issue of #5 Magazine," he said. "It's my number but it’s everyone’s magazine. We want #5 to be the most successful digital magazine ever, so we hope you enjoy it."

Although his football career will always come first, Rio has been hands-on with his new project, interviewing 50 Cent, Mickey Rourke and Duffy as well as talking through football freestyling with Reds team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

#5 editor Owen Blackhurst added: “Rio has been integral to the launch issue from the selection of the interviews to the direction and style of the digital magazine. This isn’t a case of Rio dipping his toe into media, he’s the driving force.”

The launch issue also marks the announcement of #5 TV – Rio’s exclusive video channel which will be launched with the second issue of #5 magazine and host exclusive HD content starring the defender.

An exclusive #5 Channel will also be available via monthly subscription enabling consumers to view unseen footage from the making of #5 Magazine, exclusive interviews with Rio, and latest news from the worlds of fashion and music.