Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand enters Premier League Hall of Fame

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been inducted into the English Premier League Hall of Fame, the league said on Wednesday.

"Ferdinand was selected by fans worldwide through an online public vote," the Premier League said in a statement.

The 44-year-old was one of the notable defenders in European football, winning six Premier League titles with Manchester United.

Before his 12-year spell at Old Trafford, Ferdinand had played for West Ham United and Leeds United.

In 2002, he joined Manchester United from Leeds United for a British transfer record fee in that year.

Known for his ball-playing skills at defense, Ferdinand joined the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees such as the league's legendary managers Arsene Wenger and his former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The former Manchester United central defender amassed 504 Premier League appearances to score 11 goals.

Ferdinand, who also won the 2008 UEFA Champions League with Manchester United, retired from football in 2015.

He had 81 international caps for England.