After much speculation over the past few months, Manchester United and Rio Ferdinand finally confirmed yesterday that the former England captain would be leaving Old Trafford after twelve years at the club.

With Nemanja Vidic's transfer to Inter Milan already agreed, the club are undertaking a changing of the guard in the centre of their defence.

In a statement yesterday, Ferdinand indicated his intentions to continue playing by saying: "I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me."

The £29.1 million defender also implied that it was his decision by declaring: "I have decided the time is right for me to move on", although it is believed that the club decided against extending his current deal.

Regardless, many United fans took to Twitter to thank Ferdinand for his time at Old Trafford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, other United and general football fans were less than forgiving in their comments upon the news.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest in Ferdinand is rumoured to be strong from the Middle East and MLS, whilst a move to another Premier League side hasn't been ruled out. Wherever he ends up, Ferdinand and Vidic's departures truly represent the end of an era at Old Trafford.

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