QPR Complete Signing of Ex-Manchester United Defender Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has completed his switch to Queens Park Rangers after he was released from Manchester United at the end of last season.

The former England international's contract at Old Trafford expired on 30 June and the Red Devils informed the 35-year-old that his services are no longer required at United. Ferdinand has now joined QPR on a free transfer and has penned down a new one-year contract.

"QPR have completed the signing of Rio Ferdinand on a free transfer. Ferdinand, 35, has put pen to paper on a one-year contract until the summer of 2015, following his release from Manchester United at the end of last season," a statement read on QPR's official website.

Ferdinand admitted that he did have several offers from clubs across the world. However, the former United legend rejected signing for a foreign club as he wanted to continue in the Premier League.

"I spoke to Harry and Mr Fernandes at length. I think they both looked me in the eye and knew that I still have something to offer – that I had a genuine desire to come here and play football," Ferdinand explained.

"I had a lot of offers from all over the world – some in places with a better climate than here. But the draw for me was to play in the Premier League and back here where it all started. It's not about money – I had loads of more lucrative offers available to me."

"I still feel I've got something to offer and I'm excited about helping this club cement its place in the Premier League," he added.

Meanwhile, QPR manager Harry Redknapp expressed his delight after QPR completed a deal for Ferdinand.

"Rio's a fantastic player and a great professional – I'm delighted we've been able to bring him here. I signed Rio as a 14 year-old. He was class on the field and off the field then, and he's continued in that manner throughout his career," Redknapp said.

"During his time at Manchester United, he was the best defender in Europe, if not the world. To bring him to QPR – when he's still got so much to offer in terms of his quality, class, experience and know-how – is a remarkable coup for the club," the former Tottenham manager concluded.