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As reported on Manchester United’s official website, the 35-year-old defender Rio Ferdinand will leave the club this summer, following a disastrous 2013/14 campaign for the Red Devils.
A season that began with uncertainties at Old Trafford under new manager David Moyes, never got going for the former West Ham player. He struggled with injuries and found it tough in the Premier League. He only managed a total of 14 league appearances for Manchester United in the 2013/14 Premier League season, which says a lot about his inconsistent performances this season.
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Rio Ferdinand revealed earlier in the day, that he will be leaving the Theatre of Dreams to let youngsters step in and play for titles like he did with Manchester United.
He said, “I have thought long and hard over the last few months about my future and, after 12 fantastic years playing for what I regard as the best club in the world, I have decided the time is right for me to move on.
“I joined Manchester United in the hope of winning trophies, and never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how successful we would be during my time here. There have been so many highlights, playing alongside some great players who have become good friends, winning my first Premier League title and also that fantastic night in Moscow are memories that I will cherish forever.
“Circumstances didn’t allow for me to say goodbye the way I would have liked but I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my team-mates, staff, the club and the fans for an unbelievable 12 years that I’ll never forget. Winning trophies I dreamed about as a kid came true at this great club.
“I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me.”
The former Leeds United player was once the most expensive British footballer in history when he completed his move from Leeds to Manchester United in 2002 for £34 million.
Rio Ferdinand in his illustrious career with Manchester United played 312 Premier League games (only Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville & Roy Keane have played more games in the Premier League than him for the Red Devils).
His honors in a United jersey include 6 Premier League titles, 2 League Cup trophies, 1 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League trophy.
Rio Ferdinand will be sorely missed during this transition phase for Manchester United. We wish him all the best for the future.
