Queens Park Rangers F.C. have completed the signing of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on a Bosman free transfer, according to the club’s official website.
Ferdinand, who was released by United at the end of last season, has penned a one-year deal at Loftus Road, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.
“I spoke to Harry and Mr Fernandes at length. They both looked me in the eye and knew that I still have something to offer,” Ferdinand told qpr.co.uk.
“It’s not about money – I had loads of more lucrative offers available to me, 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.
“I still feel I’ve got something to offer and I’m excited about helping this club cement its place in the Premier League.”
The move reunites Ferdinand and manager Harry Redknapp, who managed West Ham United when the player broke into the first-team in 1996.
“My dad used bring me here as a young boy and I used to sit in the Loft,” added the 35-year-old centre-back.
“QPR was the first professional club to ever sign me and there are great memories for me here – for my family.
“Anton had nothing but good things to say and I watched here when I was a boy, with the likes of Ray Wilkins, Clive Wilson, David Bardsley and Alan McDonald.”
QPR, who will play host to FA Cup finalists Hull City on the opening day of the 2014/15 campaign, are priced at 2/1 to suffer relegation to the Sky Bet Championship next term.
Debuchy to Arsenal
Newcastle United F.C. have sold right-back Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal F.C. for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £12 million.
The France international, 28, helped his country reach the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil before being knocked out by eventual champions Germany.
Debuchy is the Gunners’ second signing of the summer following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from FC Barcelona.
“I’m very proud to be joining a great club like Arsenal and to wear its colours, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the whole world,” Debuchy told Arsenal’s website.
“I’m looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger and to helping the team build on last season’s FA Cup success. Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me and I will do my best to help Arsenal compete for trophies.”
The move, which was widely reported to be nearly complete last week, finally went through following Newcastle’s signing of Holland international Daryl Janmaat from Feyenoord.
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