article_snippet: A skilful centre half in the continental mould, Ferdinand started at West Ham but was first voted into the Premier League team in 2002 after an excellent season at Manchester United.
article_snippet: After impressing at that summer's World Cup, Manchester United paid a £29million transfer fee for Ferdinand, a British record that stood for four years.
article_snippet: Ferdinand became an integral part of Manchester United success in the 2000s culminating in their Premier League-Champions League double in 2008.
article_snippet: Manchester United's hard-man captain who formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Ferdinand.
article_snippet: Nemanja Vidic (left) and Rio Ferdinand formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Manchester United's defence .