Ferdinand says Sumrit's passion brought him here
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Former Queen Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand says he has decided to join Thai Premier League club Police United because he was impressed by the owner's vision and project.
The 29-year-old Ferdinand is in the country to finalise his move to the Thai club, which Police United president Sumrit Bunditkrisada said would make him, arguably, the best-paid player in the country’s topflight league.
The central defender, who plays in the same position as his brother and former England captain Rio, is set to follow a host of former English Premier League players, including striker Jay Bothroyd to play in the country’s fast-growing league.
While being unveiled to local media on Friday, Ferdinand said he decided to join Police, once one of the country’s top sides and now enduring a long slump, because of the owner’s passion.
“I’m looking forward to the move. Big [Sumrit’s nickname] came to me with the project. I sat down and listened to what he’s got to say. His passion for Thai League and for Thailand as a country really impressed me.
“This guy has got a big heart and a big vision. There’s not much more you can ask for. We got a bit of way to go [to finalise the deal] but we are moving in the right direction. If it were not for Big, I would not have been here.
“His passion and vision is something I admire and I’m sure it’s something you guys here will get to see and admire and appreciate for not just what he does for Thai League but Thailand as a whole,” said Ferdinand, who also had stints with West Ham United and Sunderland.
Given the closeness of his family, Ferdinand was hoping Rio, who has yet to find a new club after leaving Manchester United last season, might find some time to see him in the country.
“With me now here, I’m sure he gonna spend a bit more time out this way. So, you get to see how tight our family is. He’s an inspiration not just on the field for me but also off the pitch as my brother, not Rio the footballer but Rio my brother.
“He’s been a big help for me when things got tough. He’s somebody I would go to and speak to not only about football but life as a whole. Hopefully, he would be over here.”
