Rio has a Real regret over not playing abroad

RIO Ferdinand has admitted he regrets not leaving United when he had the chance to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The legendary former United defender has said not playing abroad remains his biggest career regret, after his agent told him he could have arranged a move to one of the Spanish giants.

Speaking to The Big Interview podcast, Ferdinand also opened up on his ‘addiction’ to winning and the Champions League in particular.

Ferdinand won the 2008 Champions League with United, captaining the final that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side won via penalties against Chelsea.

“I was obsessed to win the league every year, but I was probably even more obsessed with trying to win the Champions League,” said Ferdinand.

“Whenever I saw a legend at United who had won the Champions League, like Sir Bobby Charlton, I always felt in awe, like ‘I’m not at your level yet’. Or when I went to an event with Nike and there were all sorts of legend there like Roberto Carlos or Raul.

“The Champions League had that energy to excite you more than other competitions.

“I spoke to my old agent from years ago Pini Zahavi the other day and he said ‘do you have any regrets?’ and my biggest regret probably is not going abroad.

“To listen to him [say]: ‘you could have gone to Real Madrid, I could have got you to Barca... why didn’t you just go?’

“But once I got to United, an addiction and obsession with winning was just there, so I couldn’t leave.”