Rio Ferdinand has revealed he turned down more lucrative offers to sign for Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer.
Ferdinand, who went to Loftus Road as a kid, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal, following his release from Manchester United at the end of last season.
And the 35-year-old says he rejected offers, some in other parts of the world to return to the club where he signed his first professional deal.
The former England international, who made 81 appearances for the Three Lions, becomes Harry Redknapp’s first signing since the R’s clinched their return to the Premier League.
Ferdinand told the club's website: “I used to sit in the Loft – my dad used bring me here as a young boy. QPR was the first professional club to ever sign me.
“There are great memories for me here – for my family.
“Anton had nothing but good things to say about QPR and I watched Les here as a boy, with the likes of Ray Wilkins, Clive Wilson, David Bardsley and Alan McDonald.”
“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.
“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.”
Redknapp, who famously nurtured Ferdinand’s talents during his spell as West Ham United boss, said: “I really couldn't be more pleased.
“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 added: “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.”
