Rio Ferdinand has signed a one-year deal at QPR, after twelve years at Old Trafford – and the former England international is enjoying a new start under his first manager at West Ham, Harry Redknapp.

Ferdinand told a press conference: “It’s a different proposition to what I’ve been used to but it’s a great challenge I’m looking forward to.”

Ferdinand’s first club, West Ham, and London rivals Tottenham, were two of the sides he reportedly rejected to join newly-promoted Rangers.

When asked if he was aiming for the captain’s armband, Ferdinand added: “That’s not on my agenda at all or something I’ve spoken to Harry about. I’m here to come and play football and help as a member of the squad. Anything else is down to the manager. The be all and end all for me is playing games.”

Free agent Ferdinand took a huge pay cut to sign a £40,000-a-week contract.

Redknapp said of the veteran defender: “He brings a bit of class to the place. He’s a class act on the field and off the field in my opinion. On the training ground he’ll be a great role model for the young players at the club – the way he trains and the way he conducts himself. He’ll be great for the club.”

Redknapp also claimed the ex-England skipper is a man with a point to prove, after being released by Manchester United.