Rio Ferdinand was twice the world’s most expensive defender after joining Leeds United and Manchester United.
Rio Ferdinand confesses he felt pressured by his record-breaking fee after leaving West Ham for Leeds United more than two decades ago.
Ferdinand moved from West Ham to Leeds in November 2000, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract and becoming the world’s most expensive defender after a £18 million transfer. He was only 22 years old at the time, but he was widely considered as one of England’s most promising young players, and the move to Elland Road marked a significant step forward.
The young defender would train with club captain Lucas Radebe and Jonathan Woodgate before finally taking over the captaincy from the former and establishing his spot in David O’Leary’s Champions League-chasing squad. Despite appearing unconcerned on the pitch, Ferdinand confesses it was difficult knowing how much he’d cost the team.
“The pressure that [being a world record transfer] brings is immeasurable,” Ferdinand admitted on his FIVE YouTube show. “Everywhere you go, you have the impression that others are staring at you, thinking about and discussing the price tag.
“Whether it’s driving to the store for a loaf of bread, filling up your car with gas, or strolling down the street with your missus. Whatever it is, you feel like all eyes are on you, and all they’re thinking about is the transfer money and the expectation.”
After a promising initial World Cup campaign with England in 2002, Ferdinand moved from Leeds to Manchester United, causing controversy. In the process, he shattered his own record for the world’s most expensive defender, with the Whites collecting an initial £29 million, with add-ons totaling more than £33 million.
Worsening financial problems caused Leeds to begin offloading several of their finest players, and the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League in 2002/03 prepared the path for its demise. Ferdinand was among the first to be sold, although he was soon followed by Woodgate, Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, James Milner, and Mark Viduka by the time they resumed their Championship career in 2004.
Ferdinand would spend the most of his career with Manchester United, earning six Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson. The England international made 73 appearances for Leeds in all.
