Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has signed a new one- year contract till July 2014. The 34- year- old defender whose previous deal was due to expire this summer has now committed his future to the Old Trafford club for another 12 months.
Ferdinand had been in talks with United for the past few months, ironing out the pre- contract formalities that will have the defender stay at Old Trafford for one more year on reduced wages.
Other veterans like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have all accepted pay cuts at the height of their careers, and Ferdinand has now joined the league of United players who have chosen to ‘live the dream.’
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Who wouldn’t want to play in this fantastic team in front of 76,000 fans each week? It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue. I can now fully concentrate on my club career which has worked well for me over the past few years,” the former England center- back said.
Ferdinand was instrumental to United’s historic 20th title league victory this season, having made 34 appearances for the club and was even named in the PFA team of the year. He has made 432 appearances in total since his debut in 2002.
He scored United’s late winner against Swansea in Alex Ferguson’s final home game as manager of the club, his first goal in over five years.
David Moyes, the current United manager praised the center- back, recognizing his obvious character and then looked forward to having him around next season.
“It’s clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of the best seasons with the club and I think even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room, so I am delighted he has signed a new contract. I am looking forward to working with him.”
Ferdinand joined United from Leeds in 2002 for a then club- record fee of £30 million.
