Ferdinand 'shocked' by O'Leary exit

Leeds and England defender Rio Ferdinand today admitted David O’Leary’s departure from the club had come as a ‘‘massive shock’’.

The Elland Road club released a statement revealing that the United boss, who signed Ferdinand from West Ham for £18m (€27.9m) last year, had left by mutual consent, with ‘‘off-field pressures’’ cited for his exit.

Ferdinand, who has been the subject of intense speculation about a move away from the club after a series of superb performances for England at the World Cup, could not believe what had happened.

He told Sky Sports News: ‘‘It’s a massive shock, and I’m disappointed to see this happen.

‘‘He’s been with the club through good and bad. He paid a lot of money to sign me and he’s been brilliant for me, first-class.’’