Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed he turned down big money moves to Spain during his time at Old Trafford.
The centre-back became the most expensive defender in the world when he made a £29.1million move to the Theatre of Dreams in 2002.
However, speculation was rife following Roman Abramovich’s takeover at Chelsea that Ferdinand could leave United but reports were finally put to an end in 2005 when he signed a new long-term deal.
Ferdinand spent 12 years at the club before leaving in 2014 and he captained the club to European Cup glory in 2008, as well as winning six Premier League titles.
But, commenting on Paul Merson’s claim that Raheem Sterling will not turn down a move to Spain because When Barcelona and Real Madrid come after you, I’ve never known anyone to not go’, Ferdinand revealed he did exactly that.
I didnât go ð¤·ð½ââï¸ https://t.co/8rk7kpHEhC
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 24, 2020
Replying on Twitter to Merson’s claim on Soccer Saturday, Ferdinand simply replied: ‘I didn’t go’.
The panel were discussing the potential of Sterling moving to Spain following an interview last week in which he admitted he would one day like to Spain.
‘When you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it’s massive,’ said Sterling.
City take on Madrid in the last-16 of the Champions League this week and face Zinedine Zidane’s side in the first leg at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Sterling was not in City’s 18-man squad for Saturday’s 1-0 win against Leicester and is a doubt for the trip to Spain as he recovers from a hamstring strain.
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