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
13. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand goes airborne among a host of Valencia defenders while their goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares watches the ball during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash at Elland Road in May 2001. Photo: Getty
14. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand gets the better of Manchesre United's Ryan Giggs during the Premiership clash at Old Trafford in October 2001. The game finished 1-1. Photo: Getty
15. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand (left) and teammate Danny Mills (right) guard Leeds United's goal during the UEFA Cup fourth round first leg clash against PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadion in February 2001. The game ended in a goalless draw. Photo: Getty
16. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand holds off Fulham's Barry Hayles during the Premiership clash at Elland Road in April 2002. Photo: Getty
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Share your memories of Rio Ferdinand in action for Leeds United with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: Getty