Rio Ferdinand will leave Manchester United

Manchester United is slowly but surely changing its generation. After losing Nemanja Vidic, United announced it has released Rio Ferdinand also. The 35 year old defender has not been offered an extension to his contract.

Ferdinand has been with Manchester United for the last 12 years and he also confirmed his departure. “After 12 fantastic years, I have decided the time is right for me to move on,” said Ferdinand. He is the second central defender to leave United in the summer after Nemanja Vidic who will sign with Internazzionale Milano.

Ferdinand was the most expensive English football player 12 years ago when he joined Manchester United from Leeds for 29.9 million Pounds (36 million euros). Ferdinand gathered 454 appearances for the devils, scored eight goals and won six Premier league titles. He also won the UEFA Champions League trophy in the 2007-2008 season.

Although the British media reported recently Ferdinand will quit football, the top defender said he can still play. “I an feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me,” Ferdinand said. The 35 year old will join BBC's “World Cup team” as an expert along with Thierry Henry. Both will comment everything related to the World Cup in Brazil.