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."