Queens Park Rangers has announced that Rio Ferdinand has joined the club on a free transfer.

Ferdinand said,

“I used to sit in the Loft – my Dad used bring me here as a young boy. QPR was the first professional club to ever sign me.

“There are great memories for me here – for my family.

“Anton had nothing but good things to say about QPR and I watched Les here as a boy, with the likes of Ray Wilkins, Clive Wilson, David Bardsley and Alan McDonald.

“I spoke to Harry and Mr Fernandes at length. I think they both looked me in the eye and knew that I still have something to offer – that I had a genuine desire to come here and play football.

“I had a lot of offers from all over the world – some in places with a better climate than here. But the draw for me was to play in the Premier League and back here where it all started.”

Ferdinand completed his medical at Queens Park Rangers earlier today, and joined the club after a prolonged move. It was first reported in late June that the former Manchester United star would join QPR, but presumably his punditry for the World Cup delayed the signing.

After spending the last 12 years with Manchester United, Ferdinand made 312 appearances and scored seven goals during his time with the club. Reports out of Manchester United agree that the departure of Ferdinand has been positive and amicable after Manchester United released him last month making him a free agent.

Speculations on Ferdinand’s transfer began after the season ended before Ferdinand went to Brazil to work with the BBC on the 2014 World Cup. He allegedly agreed to a deal when meeting with QPR manager Harry Redknapp. When speaking about the new signing Redknapp said, “Rio has always been a class act and signing a player like him will give the whole place a lift.”

He’s helped United win the Premier League six times, the FA Cup once, the Football League Cup twice, the FA Community Shield five times, the UEFA Champions League once and the FIFA Club World Cup once. His contract is estimated to be for one year and around £70,000 per-week.

Playing for the England team in 1997, he is the second most-capped player for England behind Ashley Cole, and was captain after replacing John Terry in 2007. He was originally selected to travel to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but due to a knee injury Ferdinand had to sit out and officially retired from international soccer in May of 2013.