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Former England captain Rio Ferdinand signs for QPR on one-year deal | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has joined Premier League Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer after he was released by Manchester United, the London club said on Thursday. | |
Ferdinand, 35, has signed a one-year contract with QPR who were promoted back to the top flight through the second tier playoffs last season. | |
The centre-back, who played 81 times for England, ended his 12-year spell at United at the end of last season after making more than 400 appearances for them and winning almost every honour in the game. | |
He will link up with manager Harry Redknapp, who helped nurture Ferdinand when the pair were together at West Ham United. | |
“I spoke to Harry and (chairman) Mr (Tony) Fernandes at length. I think they both looked me in the eye and knew that I still have something to offer - that I had a genuine desire to come here and play football,” Ferdinand said in a statement. | |
“I had a lot of offers from all over the world – some in places with a better climate than here. But the draw for me was to play in the Premier League and back here where it all started. | |
“It’s not about money – I had loads of more lucrative offers available to me. I still feel I’ve got something to offer and I’m excited about helping this club cement its place in the Premier League.” | |
Ferdinand was not offered a new contract by United, where he won six Premier League trophies, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup. | |
He had joined United from Leeds United for £29.1 million pounds in 2002 to become the most expensive player in English football at the time. Ferdinand is QPR’s first close-season signing. | |
“During his time at Manchester United, he was the best defender in Europe, if not the world,” Redknapp said. | |
“To bring him to QPR – when he’s still got so much to offer in terms of his quality, class, experience and know-how – is a remarkable coup for the club.” |