Leeds United - on this day: Rio Ferdinand breaks transfer record with Elland Road exit

18 years ago today Rio Ferdinand did the unthinkable...

By PA

Published 3rd Jul 2020, 11:45 BST

A Leeds United fan voices his displeasure at Rio Ferdinand's exit. (Getty)

The date...

July 3, 2002

What happened?

After a spell of about a year-and-a-half with Leeds United, which featured a run to the Champions League semi-finals, defender Rio Ferdinand controversially joined bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2002 for around £30million, a record British transfer fee at the time.

The England international became a Red Devils great in a 12-year stint with the club that featured six Premier League title triumphs and winning the European Cup in 2008.