Rio Ferdinand is proud of the way he has put down roots at Manchester United.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "People assumed I was a fly by night," Ferdinand added. "They thought I would be in the door and then out of the door in a few years.

"But those who thought that didn't know me. My drive is to be a successful footballer. I don't want to sit down at the end of my career and for people to say he is counting his money.

"That is the last thing I want to do. I want to be counting trophies and medals and to be able to walk around and be proud of what I have achieved. I want my family to be proud of what I have done and for United fans to be proud.

"Those who said I'd be off quickly had read me wrong. I have been terribly envious of the lads who've played a long time for this club such as Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

"If I wasn't envious of people like that and what they have done then I shouldn't be playing football. If you don't envy them and want to be like them and achieve what they have in the game then you are playing for fun only.

"I do play to enjoy it but I am also serious about it and I want to be around for a long time like they have been."