Manchester United’s veteran defender Rio Ferdinand has ‘fallen in love’ with the club and says that he wants to stay with the Reds as long as his body allows it.
Ferdinand joined the Old Trafford side in 2002 after an impressive World Cup convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to break the club’s transfer record and splash £30million on the player.
Manchester United’s number five has remained the most expensive English player, and the most expensive defender ever transferred.
“I thought I’d be at United for a couple of years, maybe three or four, and then go abroad somewhere,” said Ferdinand
“But I just fell in love with United – the winning and the history of the club – and the pull has got stronger as the years have gone by.
“For as long as my body allows me to, I’ll keep on playing; and for as long as I can stay at Manchester United, I will stay here.”
“Whether I can do it, we’ll have to wait and see. But I’ve still got that burning passion to win things.
“Being part of it was something I could never have imagined.”
After his 10 year spell in the red half of Manchester, Ferdinand has been rewarded with a testimonial tonight against Sevilla in front of 50,000 fans.
The England centre-back is looking forward to the occasion and insists he still has the hunger to win more trophies with United.
“When I look at pictures ahead of the testimonial, it evokes memories and it has relit the fires a little bit in terms of winning things.
As part of the tributes to the former England international, a mosaic of cards held up by fans in the lower tier of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand will spell out Ferdinand’s name as he and his fellow players emerge from the tunnel prior to kick-off.
United manager David Moyes said: “It’s important that people recognise that it’s all for good causes and also come and see a proper pre-season game.
“I have always seen this as a vital part of our preparations for the season. Although Ferdinand himself has promised some surprises at half-time tonight.”
While Ferdinand does not want to be the centre of attention he said: “It will be nice to enjoy it with the fans, the people who attend and my family and friends.”
Image courtesy of Gordon Flood, with thanks
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