Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand signs new deal at Old Trafford

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Rio Ferdinand

Veteran defender Rio Ferdinand has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Manchester United.

The deal - approved by incoming manager David Moyes - ends any doubts over the 34-year-old's future at the club.

He announced his retirement from international football last week, a move which he hopes will allow him to prolong his career at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand said: "I am delighted. It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue."

Earlier this month, retiring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Ferdinand had enjoyed his best season for the club and would be offered a new deal.

The defender made 34 appearances for United in 2012-13, including 28 in the Premier League, more than any of the club's other central defenders.

Ferdinand said: "Who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team in front of 76,000 fans each week?

"I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years.

"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.

"I have met with David (Moyes). I am really looking forward to working with him and winning many more trophies with this great club."

Ferdinand's contribution to United's Premier League title success saw him voted into the Professional Footballers' Association's team of the year by his peers.

The former West Ham United and Leeds United defender, who was capped 81 times by England, joined United in July 2002 for nearly £30m, making him the world's most expensive defender.

He has made 432 appearances for United, with a Champions League triumph and two League Cup wins to add to his six Premier League titles.

New United manager Moyes said: "It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club.

"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."

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364 comments

  • Comment posted by Timmytimbob, at 14:42 23 May 2013

    @22. Why are people so quick to jump on the BBC just because they report something like this? Some people will be interested to know about it. The BBC can't please everyone. I think it's better to let people know about these things. I'm sure if they didn't then someone would be moaning about that! There are many more things to worry about than the fact the BBC have reported Ferdinands contract.

  • Comment posted by A Neutral, at 15:00 23 May 2013

    To be honest even if united had signed Messi the anti-united crew would still say a dud signing. Just like if CIty sign someone the anti city fans would be getting their ten pence worth in. Everyone should be happy because if he is as bad as some people are saying it should be a cake walk for all the Premiership strikers against him!

  • Comment posted by WhiteyAVA, at 15:33 23 May 2013

    Ferdinand said: "Who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team in front of 76,000 fans each week?

    I think the answer to your question Rio is... Wayne Rooney

  • Comment posted by iamthebatman, at 15:12 23 May 2013

    Why are so many people giving him so much criticism for his performances and ability? This season he has be superb, criticise his off the pitch behaviour all you like, but those who are slating his performances this season obviously no nothing about football

  • Comment posted by bobby, at 20:01 23 May 2013

    At least he doesn't put his kit on after the match he hasn't played in to pose with a cup.

  • Comment posted by U15078702, at 14:37 23 May 2013

    Obnoxious berk.

  • Comment posted by JW, at 20:01 23 May 2013

    Did I honestyly just read a Liverpool fan suggesting that this will be some miracle bring them the title?

    Hyypia, Agger, Carragher, Skrtl, Henchoz - all decent defenders - but how many titles have they won? Oh yeah - none.

    Admittedly, United will do well to reclaim the title next year, but if they fail - it'll have little to do with Rio signing for another year. Morons.

  • Comment posted by U15590528, at 14:56 23 May 2013

    Did the chip on his shoulder sign too?

  • Comment posted by Killingholme_Clay , at 16:19 23 May 2013

    139. albertzleffoot

    Talk me through your excuses for the "choc ice" comment that Ferdinand was so amused by.

  • Comment posted by U15714415, at 15:35 23 May 2013

    @103 ye wayne says he will go to paris but he is definately not going to france

  • Comment posted by FevTerrier, at 15:17 23 May 2013

    Good move, he had a terrific season.

  • Comment posted by ovalball, at 20:50 23 May 2013

    Good boy Rio

    I am looking forwards to still being able to watch the best England defender since Bobby More

    To all the dissenters on here if he is as bad as you say he is you should be delighted that he will play for Man U next season It might give your team a glimmer of hope

  • Comment posted by A Revolution Is Required, at 16:57 23 May 2013

    Oh great. Another season of his banal tweets and warped view of life.

  • Comment posted by More Like It, at 15:49 23 May 2013

    his obnoxious ego will implode once he finds his signed on just to be a Moyes bench-warmer.

  • Comment posted by X RAY, at 21:46 23 May 2013

    Dont mention anything to do with UEFA looking in to tests going back to 2008 in this thread.The Mad Manc Moderater gets very angry!!!!

  • Comment posted by LFCfan128, at 21:36 23 May 2013

    I think we are all delighted! Watching the way that WBA banged in 5 past them, and passing Ferdie like he didnt exist, gives us mortals some hope next season! hehe BTW dont get me wrong, i rate Rio a lot but he is getting a bit slow.

  • Comment posted by Mudfish88, at 21:26 23 May 2013

    Past it by approx.3 seasons.

  • Comment posted by U15720882, at 21:14 23 May 2013

    @291 Mitch

    Where did you get that rubbish from? Look at

    http://www.transferleague.co.uk/premiership-transfers/liverpool-transfers.html

    You'll see every transfers for the last 20 years for every club
    United have only spent £242M in theat time, an average of £12M a year
    L'pool Chelski & city have spent far more

    Check your facts 1st, is will stop you looking like a fool, which is hard to do

  • Comment posted by U14992708, at 20:46 23 May 2013

    Petulant clap at the ref after Real game, racist comments, too important for drug tests, too important for his country, homophobic remarks,....

    THAT'S with all the Rio hating.

  • Comment posted by Red devil 17, at 20:18 23 May 2013

    Can't wait for the blog in a few weeks with the headline

    LIVERPOOL ACCEPT £30M FOR SAUREZ

    then all the poor little scouser's will be crying like when Diego Forlan scored,

    Unite fans will be PTL,

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