Ferdinand dismisses money claims

Ferdinand agrees new deal Ferdinand's career statistics

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has denied claims that he was holding out for a £120,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand, 26, agreed a new deal on Monday but suggestions that he wanted such a big-money deal led to United fans booing him in pre-season matches.

He told The Sun: "It is not nice to get stick from the fans, particularly over something that was never true.

"I don't know where those stories came from but it was a load of rubbish."

Ferdinand had incurred the wrath of fans, who questioned his loyalty during drawn-out contract negotiations.

Ferdinand wants to make it clear that his commitment to the club was never in doubt - and he hinted that he is keen to end his career at Old Trafford.

FERDINAND FACTFILE Nov 1978: Born in Peckham May 1996: West Ham debut against Sheffield Wednesday Nov 1997: Makes full England debut against Cameroon Nov 2000: Joins Leeds in British record £18m deal July 2002: Joins Man Utd for new record £30m fee Dec 2003: Given eight-month ban after missing drugs test Aug 2005: After being booed by fans in pre-season games, signs new deal

"I will never forget how the club stood by me during my eight-month ban last year and it hurts to suggest I would throw that loyalty back in their face," he added.

"The supporters were reading all sorts of stuff about me that was totally wide of the mark and that has made things difficult in recent weeks.

"I said all along I wanted to stay at the club. The deal runs until 2009 and hopefully I can stay on longer than that."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his player during the summer and re-iterated his support following the announcement of the deal.

"The talks have always been conducted in a good spirit and we are pleased with the outcome," said Ferguson.

"I expect our fans to get behind him."

Ferdinand believes it is time to concentrate on the upcoming season and believes United are "in very good shape".

"I am convinced we are good enough to challenge for the championship," he added.

"I would not have committed my long-term future to the club if I did not believe we can win the league."