“I wasn’t a local Leeds lad so I didn’t understand the rivalry, I was taken aback by how upset & angry they still are with me, This transfer was over 20 yrs ago & they are still upset”- Rio Ferdinand says Leeds fans are still angry at him for Man United move as he explains reasons for transfer

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand says he doesn’t understand the criticism he still gets from some Leeds United fans after switching from Elland Road to Old Trafford. The former Leeds United defender left the club in a £30m move back in the summer of 2002, a deal that happened over 21 years ago.

Despite the time that has elapsed, some Leeds fans are not prepared to let off the ex-England man, having made the switch to Leeds’ great rivals. Ferdinand says that while he understands the rivalry between the two clubs, Leeds fans need to appreciate the context of their club having to sell players at that time, and the opportunity he had to go to Manchester United to win.

Speaking to Leeds Rhinos and rugby league legend Rob Burrow on the ex-rugby star’s new podcast, Seven, Ferdinand says he was shocked to learn some fans were still upset about the transfer.

Ferdinand said: “About six months to a year ago I played a game and the Leeds away fans were just in front of me. I swear to you I was taken aback by how upset and angry they still are with me. This transfer was over 20 years ago and I’m thinking ‘are you still upset about this?

“Unfortunately the club was run a particular way that they had to sell all of the assets. They had to sell me. I had to go. So it didn’t matter where I was going.

“I wasn’t a local Leeds lad so I didn’t really understand the rivalry. I chose to go to the best club which had the best opportunity for me to win and that was Manchester United, and that decision proved to be right because I was very successful there and won so many things. I understand the rivalry, but sometimes you’ve got to understand the situation and the context.”