QPR have formally completed the signing of Rio Ferdinand.
The 35-year-old former England centre-back, who left Manchester United at the end of last season, has signed a one-year contract at Loftus Road.
A deal was agreed in principle several weeks ago and although Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes expressed some misgivings, manager Harry Redknapp was keen for Ferdinand to be brought in.
He made 455 appearances for United during a 12-year spell at Old Trafford during which he won six Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League.
Ferdinand, cousin of Rangers legend Les Ferdinand and whose brother Anton also had a spell at the club, won 81 England caps and played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
He played under Redknapp at West Ham prior to an £18m move to Leeds in 2000.
Redknapp planned to sign him this summer if Rangers won promotion back to the top flight and their play-off triumph duly paved the way for a deal to be done.
Ferdinand, who was on QPR’s books as a schoolboy, was troubled by injuries towards the end of his time at United but in May Redknapp told West London Sport he believed he still had plenty to offer.
“He would be a fantastic free transfer for somebody,” Redknapp said.
“He’s a fantastic player and still has a lot to offer. He’s had his injuries and it’s whether he stays fit. If he fit’s he’s a top, top player.”
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This post was last modified on 17/07/2014