Edwin van der Sar sends poignant message as Man United icon's son signs Premier League contract

Edwin van der Sar sends poignant message as Man United icon's son signs Premier League contract

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand's son Lorenz signed his first professional contract with Brighton and Hove Albion last month

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has sent a poignant message to Rio Ferdinand's son and young shot stopper Lorenz after he signed his first professional contract at Brighton and Hove Albion.

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Back in July, the 19-year-old was joined by his dad and his step mother Kate Ferdinand on the south coast as he signed his first professional deal with the Seagulls. The teenager began his career with Brighton and went on his first loan spell to Havant and Waterlooville in March.

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During his time at the Southern League club, the teenager made six unbeaten appearances and kept two clean sheets in the process. Upon his return from his first experience of senior football, Ferdinand was given his first professional contract ahead of the new season.

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Reflecting on what was a big day for the 19-year-old last month, his step mother posted a photo of herself with Lorenz and her husband Rio at the contract signing. Captioning the post, she wrote: "Very proud moment for the family, Lorenz signing his first professional contract.

"We are all so proud of you." Among those to congratulate the youngster was former defender Patrice Evra who commented: "Amazing," and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane, who simply posted four clapping emojis.

However, perhaps the most poignant message came from Van der Sar who Ferdinand Jr. will undoubtedly want to replicate in his career. The Dutchman wrote: "Come on Lorenz and become the goalkeeper that you always wanted to be!

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"Good luck and safe hands!" Of course, due to his dad's connections to United, there will be a section of the fanbase hopeful that the teenager will be able to follow in his father's footsteps and represent the Reds.

The teenager made his debut in the Premier League 2 back in January and it remains to be seen if he will go out on loan again this season for further experience.

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