Football's 'buzz' keeps Ferdinand going

Veteran striker Les Ferdinand has revealed he still gets the same ‘buzz’ before the start of the season as he did at the beginning of his career.

The former England forward yesterday agreed a one-year deal with Leicester City which could well be his last as he turns 37 in December.

However, Ferdinand continues to enjoy his football and has not even considered what will happen when his deal at the Walkers Stadium expires.

For the moment, he is looking forward to linking up with his new team-mates and putting himself through his paces on the training ground ahead of Leicester’s first season back in the top flight after finishing second in Division One.

“I know it is going to be a struggle but I am looking forward to the new season,” he said.

“You have a break for a while and then you get the buzz again and I can’t wait to start training. I believe as long as you have got that buzz and you are willing to keep yourself in shape, then you will play as well as you can.”

The former QPR, Newcastle and Tottenham front man’s short-term deal with West Ham expired after the club were relegated to the Nationwide League and despite the club’s attempts to re-sign him, Ferdinand wanted to remain in the top flight where he had played all his career.

And once he met Micky Adams he was convinced the Walkers Stadium was the right destination for him.

“There were other clubs in the running but once I spoke to Micky Adams I liked what he had to say and then I made my mind up pretty quickly,” he added.

“I have played in this division all my career and it is always nice [to get a new contract. They have got a good little team there. They did well last year and Micky wants to bring in a bit of experience.

“When we spoke he mentioned about giving guidance and help to the team.”

Ferdinand’s capture is Adams’ seventh of the summer and he is pleased to have been able to add some more experience to the squad.

“I am delighted that Les has agreed to join us and that I have been able to bring in someone of his Premiership quality and experience,” he told the club’s official website, www.lcfc.com.

“He showed last season when he went to West Ham that there is still plenty of life left in him, and I am certain he will be a great acquisition to us.

“Another big plus is that he will be a good role model to our other strikers and particularly our young players.

“Although he is 36 Les has looked after himself and can still do a good job for us. I think he is just what we require and I am delighted to have him as part of our squad. He will be a real asset.”