Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand Announces his Departure from Old Trafford

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he will leave the club at the end of summer.

The defender has been a loyal servant for the club and has won a plethora of titles under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired last summer.

The England international has won six league titles with the Red Devils, two League Cups and a Champion League trophy during his tenure at Old Trafford and is heralded as one of the best defenders to have plied his trade at the club.

United currently have a host of young faces in the squad, with the likes of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones expected to take over.

Ferdinand will join his partner Nemanja Vidic on his way out of the club, with the Serbian leaving the club for Inter Milan after his contract expired this summer.

It is the end of an era for United who have been ruling English football for major parts over the last two decades and Ferdinand's departure opens the door to a new dawn at Old Trafford.

"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," Ferdinand told United's official website.

"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 team-mates, staff, the club and the fans for an unbelievable 12 years 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," he concluded.