​Man Utd hero Ferdinand reveals why he snubbed Chelsea for Leeds | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed his reasons for snubbing Chelsea to join Leeds United.

Ferdinand went to Elland Road from West Ham in 2000, and eventually went on to sign for Manchester United.

Asked about snubbing Chelsea, Ferdinand admits leaving London was on his mind at the time.

"I left West Ham and went to Leeds for a big fee, a British record," said Ferdinand.

"I could've gone to Chelsea. I got a phone call just as I was going to Leeds. I just said to the geezers, 'there's no point even trying to pitch the idea to me. I need to leave London.

"I've got all my mates, I go out every weekend. I can go anywhere in town, I'm living a distraction'.

"Going to Leeds was getting me away from my mates, who were good boys, but we were getting in trouble and going out too much.

"I didn't have a handbrake, everything was full throttle.

"The best decision was looking at myself and moving to Leeds when I did. Best thing I did."