Ferdinand: I was ready to become TV pundit

Rio Ferdinand admits he was ready to turn to a television career and retire from football before Harry Redknapp offered to bring him to QPR this summer.

Ferdinand, pictured, who turns 36 in November, was allowed to leave Manchester United at the end of last season after 12 successful years at Old Trafford.

The defender was a free agent while he worked as a television pundit at the World Cup in Brazil and although several offers came from England and abroad, he was preparing to hang up his boots before Rangers came in.