Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has agreed a one-year contract with QPR, which will see him return to the Premier league. The defender will also be reunited with Harry Redknapp, who was responsible for bringing him to the first-team at West Ham. Ferdinand recently left United after more than a decade at the club. In his prime, he was regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. However, at 35 years of age he does not have the quality to play for a club like United anymore.

There has been widespread speculation that he may announce his retirement from football in order to focus on his businesses, but Ferdinand has shown his desire for playing once again in the last few weeks. He has been involved in talks with QPR, who have been promoted to the Premier league in the first attempt, over a new contract. The presence of Redknapp seems to have convinced Ferdinand to join QPR, who will be able to benefit massively from the experience of Ferdinand. QPR were criticised in recent seasons for a huge outlay on wages.

Ferdinand is thought to be one of the high earning players in the QPR squad with a salary close to £ 100,000 per week.

“I had a lot of offers from all over the world but the draw for me was to play in the Premier League. It’s not about money – I had loads of more lucrative offers available to me. I still feel I’ve got something to offer and I’m excited about helping this club cement its place in the Premier League,” said Ferdinand. “During his time at Manchester United, he was the best defender in Europe, if not the world. To bring him to QPR is a remarkable coup for the club,” said manager Harry Redknapp.