"I am aware of Leeds' interest. My agent told me last week that they had made enquiries but I told him to tell them that the answer is the same, that I have no interest in leaving Lazio. It is very flattering that a club like Leeds have expressed their interest but, not for the first time this summer, I can only reiterate my desire to stay in Italy.
There have also been recent reports in Italy linking me with both Milan clubs and although I want to remain in Rome, I would concede that a transfer to another Italian club is more of a possibility than returning to play in England. I want at least another couple of seasons in Serie A before I consider my next move.
I suppose it was almost inevitable that my name would be linked with Leeds following Rio Ferdinand's move to Manchester United, but as far as I'm concerned, it is nothing more than speculation. Leeds have been in touch and they now have my answer. I hope this puts an end to the rumours.
I wasn't at all surprised, though, when I heard my old club had signed Ferdinand. I saw him playing during the World Cup and it was obvious to me that he has raised his game to another level and that it was only a matter of time before an even bigger club than Leeds came in for him. I think the move will prove to be an excellent one for both the player and the club.
Ferdinand is already a quality player, but I've no doubt moving to Old Trafford will improve him further. In many ways, United have done the same with Ferdinand as they did when they brought me from PSV – buying an international player not yet at their peak with an eye on the future. I was 26 when I signed, Ferdinand is 23 and I'm sure he will prove a big asset for many seasons.
I definitely improved as a player at Old Trafford. It's almost impossible to play at that level, at a club with United's history and weight of expectation, and not raise your game even further. Ferdinand had a good World Cup for England, but I doubt whether we have yet seen the best of him.
My only concern would be that he is given time to settle in at Old Trafford. It is hard initially to adjust when you sign for United and it does take some time to learn to cope with the pressure that being an United player brings. There's probably no other club in the world to compare in terms of expectation and media attention. Ferdinand will find it on another level again from being Leeds captain and although he knows some of the United players from the England set-up, he will still need a few games to find his feet."
<SOURCE FROM ICONS.COM>
There have also been recent reports in Italy linking me with both Milan clubs and although I want to remain in Rome, I would concede that a transfer to another Italian club is more of a possibility than returning to play in England. I want at least another couple of seasons in Serie A before I consider my next move.
I suppose it was almost inevitable that my name would be linked with Leeds following Rio Ferdinand's move to Manchester United, but as far as I'm concerned, it is nothing more than speculation. Leeds have been in touch and they now have my answer. I hope this puts an end to the rumours.
I wasn't at all surprised, though, when I heard my old club had signed Ferdinand. I saw him playing during the World Cup and it was obvious to me that he has raised his game to another level and that it was only a matter of time before an even bigger club than Leeds came in for him. I think the move will prove to be an excellent one for both the player and the club.
Ferdinand is already a quality player, but I've no doubt moving to Old Trafford will improve him further. In many ways, United have done the same with Ferdinand as they did when they brought me from PSV – buying an international player not yet at their peak with an eye on the future. I was 26 when I signed, Ferdinand is 23 and I'm sure he will prove a big asset for many seasons.
I definitely improved as a player at Old Trafford. It's almost impossible to play at that level, at a club with United's history and weight of expectation, and not raise your game even further. Ferdinand had a good World Cup for England, but I doubt whether we have yet seen the best of him.
My only concern would be that he is given time to settle in at Old Trafford. It is hard initially to adjust when you sign for United and it does take some time to learn to cope with the pressure that being an United player brings. There's probably no other club in the world to compare in terms of expectation and media attention. Ferdinand will find it on another level again from being Leeds captain and although he knows some of the United players from the England set-up, he will still need a few games to find his feet."
<SOURCE FROM ICONS.COM>
