Rio 'desperate' to stay

Red Devils defender delighted to agree new deal

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 15th May 2008

Ferdinand Rio ManU v Liverpool

Ferdinand: Honoured

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Rio Ferdinand admits that he was 'desperate' to pen a new long-term contract at Manchester United.

The defender signed new five-year deal on Thursday in a move which will see him remain at Old Trafford until 2013.

Negotiations had been rumbling on for some time and the England international has revealed his delight at being able to bring the situation to a close.

"To be able to stay at Manchester United for another five years is something I wanted desperately," Ferdinand said.

Tremendous

"You see the surroundings, training every day at Carrington and playing in front of 70,000-odd fans every week, what more could you ask for?

Ferdinand has formed a virtually impenetrable partnership with Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the United defence, the two combining to concede just 22 goals during the 2007/08 title-winning campaign.

Lucky

The former West Ham and Leeds defender will not be resting on his laurels, though, and is keen to add to his ever-growing pile of winners' medals in next Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea.

"I don't think there is a favourite as we have both beaten each other this season," he said.

"A cup game is totally different and one moment of brilliance from a player on either side will swing it their way.

"We have won the championship and now we are looking towards the Champions League.

"It's huge. As a kid you dream about playing in the finals of big tournaments and we are lucky to be able to go out there and compete for this trophy."