Rio Ferdinand has finally completed his £30million move to Manchester United to become the most expensive defender in the world.
Speaking to the official Manchester United website, the England defender claimed that the size of the fee was of no concern to him.
“It doesn’t really bother me to be honest,” he said. “Everyone said when I left West Ham for Leeds it was a big amount, and this time it’s even bigger. It’s not an issue for me. I don’t talk about the money, everyone else does that. I’ll just get on with it and play my football.
“For United to go and pay that money for me is unbelievable and it shows how much they want me. I’ll pay that back any way I can – by winning trophies.”
“It’s been a bit of a strain over the last week or ten days, with everyone asking me when I’m signing, if I’m staying or going. I’m just glad to get it out of the way and to be a Man United player,” he added.
United boss Alex Ferguson was delighted with his acquisition.
“The realisation of getting him after first trying years ago is great,” said Ferguson.
“First and foremost, he is potentially a great player and you think about how you get him here.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy but we’ve got to the end of it and I’m delighted because he’s going to be a fantastic player.
“The board wanted him as much as I did. It was fairly obvious, Rio’s talents, and who wouldn’t want him at Old Trafford? This made it easy for me so I’ve enjoyed my holiday!
“I think a transfer like this one hadto be difficult because Leeds are a big club and one of our fiercest rivals, and he had four years left on his contract. These were massive hurdles. We were hopeful because of Leeds’ financial situation and I think Peter Ridsdale has admitted that himself.
“The most important thing was Rio wanted to come here and that contributed to the deal. “It was a long road to get where we are today.
“The improvement is the vital organ here as, at 23, he has great potential. What we know is we are confident he will mature into the best centre back in the world. His physical assets and ability on the ball have always been obvious.
