Rio Ferdinand became the club's most expensive signing, British football's most expensive player and world football's most expensive defender when he signed from West Ham United for £18 million in November 2000. In his season-and-a-half at Elland Road, Ferdinand experienced the best of Leeds in the post-Wilkinson era. The club waded into the thick of the fight for the Premier League title and became the story of the Champions League in 2001. And Ferdinand was the first player to receive a 10/10 match rating from the YEP's Phil Hay on a night to remember when the Whites routed Deportivo La Coruna at Elland Road. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Enjoy these photo memories of Rio Ferdinand in action for Leeds United. PIC: Getty Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand is introduced to the Elland Road crowd with chairman Peter Ridsdale on the pitch before the Premiership clash against Arsenal at Elland Road. Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand heads clear on his Leeds United debut under pressure from Leicester City's Muzzy Izzet during the Premiership clash at Filbert Street in December 2000. Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand tackles Southampton striker James Beattie during their Premiership match at The Dell in December 2000. The Saints won 1-0. Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand salutes the travelling faithful after Leeds United beat Manchester City 4-0 at Maine Road in January 2001. Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand battles for the ball with Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer during the FA Cup fourth round clash at Elland Road in January 2001. The Reds won 2-0. Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand holds off Coventry City's Lee Carsley during the Premiership clash at Elland Road in January 2001. Leeds won 1-0. Photo: Getty
. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand goes head to head with Ipswich Town's James Scowcroft during the Premiership clash at Portman Road in February 2001. The Whites won 2-1. Photo: Getty
1. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand is introduced to the Elland Road crowd with chairman Peter Ridsdale on the pitch before the Premiership clash against Arsenal at Elland Road. Photo: Getty
2. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand heads clear on his Leeds United debut under pressure from Leicester City's Muzzy Izzet during the Premiership clash at Filbert Street in December 2000. Photo: Getty
3. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand tackles Southampton striker James Beattie during their Premiership match at The Dell in December 2000. The Saints won 1-0. Photo: Getty
4. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand salutes the travelling faithful after Leeds United beat Manchester City 4-0 at Maine Road in January 2001. Photo: Getty
5. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand battles for the ball with Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer during the FA Cup fourth round clash at Elland Road in January 2001. The Reds won 2-0. Photo: Getty
6. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand holds off Coventry City's Lee Carsley during the Premiership clash at Elland Road in January 2001. Leeds won 1-0. Photo: Getty