Rio Ferdinand has confirmed his exit from Manchester United after 12 years at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand, who became the most expensive defender in Britain when he joined United from Leeds for £29.1million in 2002, claimed he had not been able to leave on his terms.
The former England defender, 35, who made 454 appearances for United, confirmed his departure in a statement released on Monday night.
United, as expected, informed Ferdinand he would not be handed a new contract and he joins former defensive partner Nemanja Vidic in leaving this summer.
Ferdinand said: "I have thought long and hard over the last few months about my future, and after 12 fantastic years playing, for what I regard, as the best club in the world, I have decided the time is right for me to move on.
"I joined Manchester United in the hope of winning trophies, and never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how successful we would be during my time here.
"There have been so many highlights, playing alongside some great players who have become good friends, winning my first Premier League title and also that fantastic night in Moscow are memories that I will cherish forever.
"Circumstances didn't allow for me to say goodbye the way I would have liked but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, staff, the club & the fans for an unbelievable 12 yrs that I'll never forget.
"Winning trophies I dreamed about as a kid came true at this great club."I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me."
United have categorically denied reports that the news was broken to Ferdinand in the Southampton dressing room after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Southampton. The club are keen to retain links with Ferdinand and have not ruled out offering him a role as a club ambassador in the future.
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