Premiership: United 'a good career move' for Rio

Rio Ferdinand asked Leeds to allow him to leave for the good of his career.

The England centre-back is a £30million target for Manchester United, and handed in a transfer request in a bid to hasten a move to Old Trafford.

He told The Sun: "I did it for the good of my career.

"I have told Mr Ridsdale why I feel I have to leave and I think he understands. He told me if an acceptable offer came in for me, he would consider it.

"There is no animosity on either side. I just feel I need Champions League football to help my career.

"I played in it once with Leeds and it was brilliant and I feel I need more of it now to make me a better player.

"A footballer has a short career and you have to make the most of your opportunities.

"The chance to get back in the Champions League is too good to miss. It is a natural progression in a footballer's career to want to play at the top in Europe.

"Being at the World Cup didn't make me think like that. I felt that way before I went.

"I want to play against the best all the time, that's what I'm striving for. It's important to me."

Ferdinand hopes the Leeds fans understand the reasons behind his decision to quit the Elland Road club.

He added: "The meeting with the chairman was perfectly amicable. He made his points, I made mine.

"I really hope if I do leave, it's on the best

terms possible. I appreciate what the club has done for me and the fans have been first-class.

"I've thought long and hard about them every day since I made this decision because I owe them a lot. It was not an easy decision to make.

"It is not like I have done it without thinking but this is what I believe will benefit me as a player.

"I can appreciate why the Leeds fans want me to stay. I just hope deep down they understand my reasons for putting myself on the list."