Duncan Ferguson, a revered figure at Goodison Park, has opened up about his past antics that have left him feeling somewhat embarrassed today. Known for his formidable presence on the pitch, Ferguson is second only to Romelu Lukaku in Everton’s all-time Premier League goalscoring chart. Despite his impressive record of 73 goals in 273 appearances during his two spells at the club, Ferguson admits that his tough-guy image was something he once encouraged but now finds cringeworthy.
Duncan Ferguson said: “After a game when the final whistle went, I would just walk off the pitch. I would not go near anybody. Maybe that was building up that aura that I was a big hard case and people would be saying ‘don’t go near Duncan Ferguson, he’s going to flatten you’. Maybe I played on that a wee bit.”
In a candid reflection, Ferguson recounted a specific incident involving Manchester United’s David Beckham.
Duncan Ferguson said: “I think Manchester United had just won the league at Everton – or just a crucial game there – and David Beckham shouted over to me. ‘Hey Dunc,’ he said, and was wanting to shake my hand, putting his hand out. I turned round and said ‘f*** off’! I then turned my back as if to say ‘why would I want to shake your hand?’ It was just daft. It was David Beckham, a legend of the Premier League, a world-class footballer, won everything, incredible player … and there was me blanking him.”
Ferguson continued to express regret over his past behavior, particularly in moments where he missed opportunities to connect with other football legends.
Duncan Ferguson said: “As the years go on, you just think ‘what a t*** I was’! I should have been ripping the shirt off his back and keeping it as a memory for my kids. Cristiano Ronaldo? One of my sons idolised Ronaldo. I never even shook his hand. Daft things. So, David Beckham, sorry … although he will not be bothered his a*** about that. He won’t care two s***es!”
Ferguson’s reflections come as Everton prepares to bid farewell to their historic Goodison Park, with a move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on the horizon. The club will soon play their final matches at their iconic home, marking the end of an era. As fans look back on the memories created at Goodison, Ferguson’s candid admissions provide a glimpse into the mindset of one of the club’s most beloved figures. His autobiography, “Big Dunc: The Upfront Autobiography,” co-authored with Henry Winter, is set to be released on May 8th, offering further insights into his storied career.
