Rio Ferdinand makes honest admission over Leeds United to Manchester United transfer
Rio Ferdinand admits he did not fully understand the extent of the rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United prior to swapping clubs.
The 2002 transfer remains one of the most controversial in Leeds’ history as Ferdinand crossed the divide in a then-record £30million deal.
Ferdinand remains a figure of dislike among the Leeds fanbase more than two decades on, but he still looks back fondly on his two years at Elland Road.
“A lot of Leeds fans, because I obviously went to [Manchester] United, hate me and that’s fair enough,” he said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast [18 November, 7m 37s].
“It’s because of the rivalry, which I didn’t actually understand at the time being a Londoner – but I do now.
“Leeds fans will always say to me ‘Leeds, Leeds, Leeds’, and I’m like that was the most enjoyable part of my career.”
Rio Ferdinand hate remains at Leeds United
Ferdinand is not alone in representing both clubs, of course, but the manner of the exit still stings many Leeds fans.
It is not helped by the fact that the former centre-back went on to have such a successful time of things at Old Trafford, winning six Premier League titles.
The bottom line remains that transfers between the two clubs are pretty much a no-go.
It was not so long ago Archie Gray was tipped with a move to Old Trafford, but it was clear that was never, ever going to happen.
Indeed, there was also the fallout of the latest home kit having the colour red on it, which likely led to a rethink for the away strip.
Ferdinand has long since retired and is now working as a pundit. This is not the first time he’s opened up on that transfer all those years back, and nor will it be the last, but it’s good to see he still gets regular stick from Leeds fans.
In other Leeds news, United fans will be seething after what former director of football Victor Orta said about one transfer.
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