MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Rio Ferdinand has signed a new one-year contract at Old Trafford.
The former England man has made 432 appearances for the club since his debut in 2002, having signed for a then British record of £30 million from Elland Road.
Ferdinand decided to end his international career last week in order to prolong his time at Old Trafford, having withdrawn from Roy Hodgson’s squad to face San Marino and Montenegro in March due to a conflict in fitness schedules.
He told United’s official website: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Who wouldn’t want to play in this fantastic team in front of 75,000 fans each week, it has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue. I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years.”
Ferdinand, who scored the last Old Trafford goal of Alex Ferguson’s reign, also expressed his excitement about the new chapter the club that is set to begin with David Moyes at the helm rather than Ferguson.
“This is a great team to be part of and we are now moving into a new era with the club which is very exciting,” he added. ”I have met with David I am really looking forward to working with him and winning many more trophies with this great club.”
Moyes himself hailed the defender’s performances in United’s title-winning campaign and was delighted to retain the experience of Ferdinand, who played 81 times for England in his career.
“It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club,” he said. ”I think even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room so I am delighted he has signed a new contract and I am looking forward to working with him.”
