Rio Ferdinand will leave Manchester United in the summer after not being offered a new contract. The 35-year-old defender's departure will bring to an end a 12-year stay at the club, for whom he has made 454 appearances, scoring eight goals.

"After 12 fantastic years, I have decided the time is right for me to move on," said Ferdinand. The Manchester United defender intends to continue playing but his next club is still unknown.

United are believed to have told Ferdinand they want him to come back and be a 'Club Legend' going forward, in recognition of what he achieved during his time with the club.

The position is an ambassadorial role that several other significant players from the club's past have accepted.

Ferdinand helped United win six league titles, two League Cups, one Champions League and a Club World Cup.