Rio Ferdinand Warned Wayne Rooney Not To Quit Man Utd For It Is The Best Football Club In The World

BEST OF THE BEST ... Rio Ferdinand doesn't see the point in leaving Man Utd

Rio Ferdinand has warned Wayne Rooney that if he quits Manchester United he may miss out on more medals — just like Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Red Devils defender would love his two pals playing alongside him for United this season.

But while Real Madrid ace Ron has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford, Roo has been tipped to leave.And Ferdinand reckons Rooney should look at Ronaldo to see the grass is not always greener elsewhere. 

The Portuguese winker won three Prem titles, a Champions League, a Club World Cup, an FA Cup and two League Cups in six years before quitting United in 2009. But in four years at the Bernabeu, he has only won one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana. 

And Ferdinand, about to enter his 12th season as a United player, said: “I don’t see where you go better from here. “For instance, Cristiano has been ridiculous as a football player individually but has he won more trophies since leaving than what we’ve won? “It was his dream to go there, so you have to respect that. But I just look at things in a black and white way — I want to win trophies so why would I leave here?” 

Ferdinand was speaking ahead of his Old Trafford testimonial against Seville on August 9. The silky centre-back has made 432 appearances for United since a £30million move from Leeds in July 2002. He is in no doubt as to what makes the Prem champions so special. He said: “It’s the history. “I think I said on my first day that I want to be able to walk out of this club with my head held high and etched in some way in the club’s history. “You only do that by being successful. There are only a few clubs in the world that set the demands that this club sets, and I think the top players want that on their shoulders.

“If you get asked to come to Manchester United, I see it as a no-brainer. I wanted to come because of that history. “I’ve had loads of offers over the years to go to other football clubs but I’ve never really wanted to go anywhere. “I came to Man United for one simple reason — that was to win trophies. “I’m sure most players, when they’re asked to come to Manchester United, that should be the question they ask themselves: Have I got a chance to win? “Do you want to be part of that history of the club? “Normally the answers to those questions is yes.”

Ferdinand has certainly been a winner at United, with six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two League Cups and a Club World Cup to his name. As he embarks on a new era under David Moyes following Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Ferdinand recalled his best moments at United. 

He said: “Winning the first Premier League trophy, because you think it’s never going to happen. “The Champions League night was just unbelievable, you don’t think in your wildest dreams that you’re ever going to get your hands on that trophy. To be captain that night was phenomenal, a bonus on top of everything else. “Probably the manager’s last trophy as well, to be a part of his last championship team is a great thing.”

Ferdinand, 34, has signed a one-year extension to his contract and would love to finish his career at Old Trafford. He added: “I certainly wouldn’t play for anyone else in England. “I wouldn’t want to come to Old Trafford as an away player, it just wouldn’t feel right.”

-BT Sport will show Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial match exclusively live on August 9. Rio will be working with BT Sport as an interviewer, programme-maker and football expert. BT Sport is free with BT broadband and is available via BT’s own TV service, the Sky Digital Satellite Platform and online at btsport.com or via the BT Sport app. Tickets are available from www.manutd.com, childrens tickets are £5.