Rio Ferdinand says he has asked Leeds to allow him to leave for the good of his career.
Ferdinand handed in a transfer request in a bid to hasten a move to Manchester United.
And he believes a transfer across the Pennines - for a fee of around £30 million sterling - would be beneficial to his development as a player.
He told The Sun: "I did it for the good of my career. "I have told Mr Ridsdale why I feel I have to leave and I think he understands. He told me if an acceptable offer came in for me, he would consider it.
"There is no animosity on either side. I just feel I need Champions League football to help my career.
"I played in it once with Leeds and it was brilliant and I feel I need more of it now to make me a better player.
"A footballer has a short career and you have to make the most of your opportunities.
"The chance to get back in the Champions League is too good to miss. It is a natural progression in a footballer's career to want to play at the top in Europe.
"Being at the World Cup didn't make me think like that. I felt that way before I went.
"I want to play against the best all the time, that's what I'm striving for. It's important to me."
He added: "The meeting with the chairman was perfectly amicable. He made his points, I made mine.
"I really hope if I do leave, it's on the best terms possible. I appreciate what the club has done for me and the fans have been first-class.
PA