London, Feb. 10 : Rio Ferdinand''s past life as a ballet dancer is revealed in a campaign being fronted by the new England football captain.

The National Portrait Gallery pictures Rio Ferdinand relaxing in a leather chair as part of the marketing drive.

Ferdinand''s photograph contains the words Central Defender, Central to England, Central School of Ballet.

According to Sky News, this refers to his background as a dancer who attended classes four times a week for four years.

Born in Peckham, south London, Ferdinand''s sporting career started at the age of 10 when he was invited to the Queens Park Rangers Football Academy.

However, when he was 11-years-old he also won a scholarship to the Central School of Ballet in London.

He travelled by bus from his home to central London to get to the classes.

The dance lessons improved his natural balance but eventually he chose a career as a footballer and signed his first professional contract in 1995

The Manchester United defender joins historical figures, such as artist LS Lowry, King Charles II, Lord Nelson, and Mary, Queen of Scots, for the campaign.

The photograph is on display at the gallery, and will now be seen on posters, adverts and bus shelters.

For the new campaign, Mark Guthrie photographed Ferdinand in a studio. (ANI)