But Ferdinand was convinced by first impressions of Warnock

Anton Ferdinand admits he never wanted to leave Sunderland on deadline day – but says his move to QPR was never in doubt once he had held talks with Neil Warnock.

Rangers signed Ferdinand for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal, handing the centre-back the chance to follow in the footsteps of his cousin Les and brother Rio, who trained at the club as a youngster.

The 29-year-old had featured in all four of the Black Cats’ games at the start of the season, but was informed that he was free to talk to other clubs a week before the transfer window closed.

And he has revealed that it was his first impressions of Warnock which convinced him to move to west London.

“He spoke to me about me as a player, he wants me to enjoy my football, to do the best I can,” said Ferdinand.

“He can see potential in me and sees himself as the manager that can get that potential out of me. It was nice to hear.

“I’m back in London playing at a club where it’s exciting times. I was saying to my dad it’s like we’re on a roundabout and we’ve come full circle.

“My brother was there when he was young, we used to go there and watch Rio train, and then we used to get tickets and watch Les Ferdinand on Saturday.

“One of my friends who I grew up with said it was mad that we used to wear the QPR shirt, and now I’m playing for them.

“I was enjoying [my football], I loved every minute I played at Sunderland. It wasn’t a case of me wanting to leave, I didn’t want to leave the club at this time. I was playing ok and playing with new players such as Wes Brown, and I was enjoying myself.

“But when a club tells you they want you to talk to another club, that kind of makes your mind up for you a little bit, telling you that you’re not really in their plans.”

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