England international defender Rio Ferdinand has not joined the Leeds squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, it was confirmed today.
Ferdinand had requested a transfer and last night Leeds revealed they had rejected a £30 million offer from Premiership rivals Manchester United.
The defender was not among the touring party when the Leeds squad arrived at Leeds/Bradford Airport to set off for their pre-season tour this morning.
And Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed the player had asked to be freed from the pre-season tour.
"Rio has told us that he feels the recent intense transfer speculation has left him mentally fatigued and unable to play football," said Ridsdale in a statement.
"He has asked to be omitted from the Leeds United tour of the Far East and Australia.
"We respect Rio's wishes and while the first-team squad are away, he will be assessed by our medical staff and continue his pre-season training program at our Thorp Arch training ground."
AFP