Having completed his physical earlier today, Rio Ferdinand is set to continue his career in hoops. After 12 years at Manchester United, the 81-time England international has made the move to Loftus Road official, signing with Queens Park Rangers this evening.
The 35-year-old had been linked with a move to QPR earlier this month, with Rangers’ manager Harry Redknapp expecting the former West Ham and Leeds defender to sign after returning to England from the World Cup. This evening, QPR announced that process had been completed, signing Ferdinand to a one-year deal.
Ferdinand, from the club’s website:
“I used to sit in the Loft – my Dad used bring me here as a young boy. QPR was the first professional club to ever sign me …
“I spoke to Harry and Mr Fernandes at length. I think they both looked me in the eye and knew that I still have something to offer – that I had a genuine desire to come here and play football.
“I had a lot of offers from all over the world – some in places with a better climate than here. But the draw for me was to play in the Premier League and back here where it all started.
“It’s not about money – I had loads of more lucrative offers available to me.
“I still feel I’ve got something to offer and I’m excited about helping this club cement its place in the Premier League.”
When healthy, you’d expect Ferdinand to start and partner either Richard Dunne or club captain Clint Hill. Another former Manchester United defender, Danny Simpson, will likely make Redknapp’s back four, with Nedum Onuoha, a center back capable of playing wide, also among the manager’s options.
Particularly with left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s loan expired, the group looks solid if uninspiring by Premier League standards, but if Ferdinand can stay healthy, the signing should be a significant boost to QPR’s chances of survival.