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"For the past three days I have been torn apart. I love Leeds and the people of Leeds," said Ferdinand. "The club took a huge risk on me and I will never forget that."
Ferdinand has been mulling over his future for the past few days and the news will be a big disappointment to most Leeds fans who already have to look forward to next season without the services of influential midfielder Lee Bowyer.
"I can confirm that Rio Ferdinand has asked for a transfer and this request has been rejected," Ridsdale told leedsunited.com.
"Secondly no bid for Rio worthy of consideration has been received from any football club.
"Rio has four years left on his current contract and we expect him to respect that contractual obligation."
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"If they say no, then he will stay. He is a loyal soldier. But he would be very happy to join Manchester United.
"He wants to play in a bigger and better club. He wants to play in the Champions League.
"Going to the World Cup has given him the appetite to participate in a very high level of football. He wants to be competing for titles and medals.
"But I must reiterate that he is very happy at Leeds. He is not unhappy and he feels at home. If Leeds say he cannot go then he will honour the contract," he told BBC Sport.