Rio Ferdinand: I Hated Manchester United

It didn't take Rio Ferdinand long to get used to being a successful superstar on the books of world footballing giants Manchester United after signing from Leeds United in 2002.

However, before getting a taste of success at pre-meltdown Elland Road, London-born Ferdinand was a West Ham United player.

He has admitted that, in his younger years, the dominance of United turned his stomach and vowed never to make a deal with the Red Devils.

He is quoted in The Mirror as saying: "I couldn't stand United when I was 21 or 22 because they used to win everything.

"A United fan came up to me once and said 'I bet you'd love to come to United'. I said 'I'll never go there'.

"Still, I have to admit I was so excited when I arrived."

Now, the 30-year-old admits that he wants the unlikely love affair to continue against the odds.

"I'll be 34 when this contract runs out and I'd have to be very lucky with injuries and keep in tiptop shape to go beyond that," he mused.

"If I'm still playing in the first team at 34 I'll be delighted."

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com

i think them paying his wages during his drugs ban went some way about bearing playing at old trafford