The international defender rose to stardom at the ranks of West Ham and Leeds United, and he confirmed that he disliked the United might when he was young.

"I couldn't stand United when I was 21 or 22 because they used to win everything," Ferdinand was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

"A United fan came up to me once and said 'I bet you'd love to come to United'. I said I'll never go there. Still, I have to admit I was so excited when I arrived."

At 30 years of age, Ferdinand added that his days as a top footballer might be over by the end of his current contract at Old Trafford in 2012.

"I'll be 34 when this contract runs out and I'd have to be very lucky with injuries and keep in tiptop shape to go beyond that.

"I'll be delighted if I'm still playing in the first team at 34."