Rio Ferdinand Says It Was Right Time To Leave Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has explained his summer move from Manchester United to Queens Park Rangers, claiming he felt his time at Old Trafford was over.

The 35-year-old centre-back's contract at the Premier League giants expired on 30 June and both he and the club reportedly decided against a renewal, as new manager Louis Van Gaal wanted to rebuild United's ageing squad.

The English international eventually joined QPR on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract at Loftus Road.

"It's an old cliché, but the club is bigger than everyone else and it's so true," Ferdinand explained during an interview with Manchester United's official TV channel.

"There's more to it than one player and I understand that, I'm not selfish enough to think that everything revolves around me and that I deserve to stay at Manchester United. Everyone has their time to leave and mine was now."

Ferdinand spent 12 successful years at Old Trafford after moving from Leeds United in 2002, winning six league titles, the Champions League and two league cups during Sir Alex Ferguson reign.

Ferdinand also revealed he rejected the opportunity to bid his farewells to his former teammates before the pre-season friendly against Valencia but hopes to do it on Sunday, as United host QPR in the fourth Premier League game of the campaign.

"Ed Woodward offered me the chance to come down and do that [say goodbye] before the pre-season game against Valencia but it didn't feel right for me to do that, it feels far more natural for me to come back and play, give everyone a wave and say 'thank you'," Ferdinand said.

"It's nice to have an opportunity to come and see everyone when I come up with QPR. I went to the training ground over the summer to see some of the dinner ladies and the office staff that I've known for years and who helped me along the way."