• Premier League

Ferdinand turned down Barca and Madrid

ESPN staff
August 4, 2014
Rio Ferdinand left Manchester United to sign for Queens Park Rangers © Getty Images
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Rio Ferdinand has revealed he ignored interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona to stay at Manchester United.

The 35 year old said that, during his glory days at Old Trafford, he was wanted by both of Spain's biggest clubs.

"I spoke to Roma and also there was interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona at one time," he told The Express. "But when I was at Manchester United and there was interest from other clubs I was winning things at Manchester United. So my head was never turned to go anywhere else."

The former England captain joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer after United opted not to renew his contract in the summer following 12 years at the club, where he won six Premier League titles and appeared in three Champions League finals, triumphing in 2008.

Ferdinand also claimed that United's success meant he did not want to leave, adding: "You tell someone from Manchester United or a team that's winning things that they could go abroad and you would be hard pressed to get them to go.

"If Gareth Bale had been at Manchester United and winning trophies he wouldn't have gone to Real Madrid. I was just turned on by winning. I wasn't interested in going anywhere else."

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