Ferdinand: Sacking had nothing to do with me

Rio Ferdinand says Leeds' decision to sack David O'Leary had nothing to do with him.

There is speculation that the former Elland Road chief's stance over Ferdinand's future led to his departure.

Ferdinand has been linked with a £35m (€53.9m) move to Manchester United, but Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has repeated that the player is not for sale.

Ferdinand told The Sun: "What has gone on has been done behind closed doors and has nothing to do with me.

"I've never asked to leave Leeds and they have never told me that they want to sell me."

"This has been going on since before the World Cup, with people saying the deal is done - but it's not done as far as I'm concerned, and I should know!

"I'm planning to go on holiday now and get away from it all. I need a break, to have a rest and recharge my batteries after the World Cup and now this.

"I'm not sure what it all means for the club, but they must be doing it for a reason."

Ferdinand thanked O'Leary for taking a big-money gamble on him and paying West Ham £18m (27m euro) for his services.

"I owe David O'Leary a lot of thanks. He had the bottle to sign me for a big fee when people were questioning whether I was worth it," said Ferdinand.