Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed he rejected big money moves to Spain during his time at the theatre of dreams.
The former England international became the most expensive defender in the world when he made a £29.1million transfer move to Old Trafford in 2002.
However, speculation was rife after Roman Abramovich’s takeover at Chelsea that Ferdinand could leave United but those reports were put to an end in 2005 when he signed a new long-term deal.
Ferdinand spent 12 years with the Red devils before leaving in 2014 and he captained the club to European Cup glory in 2008, as well as winning six League titles.
But, commenting on Paul Merson’s claim that Raheem Sterling will not reject a move to Spain because When Barcelona and Madrid come after you, I’ve never known anyone to not go’, Ferdinand revealed he did exactly that.
Replying on Twitter to Paul Merson’s claim on Soccer Saturday, Rio Ferdinand simply replied: ‘I didn’t go’.
The panel were discussing the potential of Sterling moving to La Liga after an interview last week in which he conceded he would one day like to go to Spain.
‘When you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it’s massive,’ said Sterling.
Man City take on Madrid in the last-16 of the Champions League this week and face Zidane’s side in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Sterling was not in City’s 18-man team for Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Leicester City and is a doubt for the trip to Spain as he recovers from an hamstring injury.
