Sportswear giants Nike have vowed to stand by Rio Ferdinand despite his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.
Ferdinand is in the first 12 months of a three-year deal with Nike worth a reputed £270,000.
Some recent reports suggested the suspension, imposed because Ferdinand failed to take a drugs test in September, would make him less attractive to sponsors.
"This must be a very difficult time for Rio," said Nike spokesman Simon Charlesworth.
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"He has been banned for a long time but we feel the decision is very harsh. We are sticking by him and our thoughts are with him."
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has also told Ferdinand that he will be back in the national side as soon as he is free to be picked.
PA