JOIN US Former England defender Rio Ferdinand is leaving Manchester United after 12 years and more than 400 appearances having won almost every major honour in the game, he said on Monday.
"I have thought long and hard over the last few months about my future and, after 12 fantastic years playing for what I regard as the best club in the world, I have decided the time is right for me to move on," Ferdinand said on his website.
British media reported that the 35-year-old Ferdinand, who played 454 times for United and scored eight goals, was not offered a new contract by the Old Trafford club.
He won six Premier League trophies, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup after joining from Leeds United for 29.1 million pounds in 2002 to become the most expensive player in English football. Ferdinand has not decided whether he will continue playing. "I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me," he said.
Sherwood leaves
Manager Tim Sherwood has left Tottenham Hotspur after six months in charge The 45-year-old replaced Andre Villas-Boas in December and led Spurs to sixth place in the table.