Harry Redknapp has heaped praise on retiring great Rio Ferdinand.

The 36-year old defender announced his retirement on Saturday after 19 years at the top and his career has received plenty of positive words from Redknapp who managed him at West Ham United in his formative years.

"Rio's just a class act," Redknapp told Weekend Sports Breakfast on talkSPORT.

"I signed him for West Ham when he was 14 and I remember talking to him and he'd always ask about the first-team players.

"How they prepared, what they ate, what boots they wore, what Paulo di Canio does to warm up...he just wanted to know everything about the first-team.

"From day one we knew he was going to be a special talent. He had absolutely everything and he was so quick too."

During his career, former England international Ferdinand played with Bournemouth, Leeds United, Manchester United and QPR after his spell at West Ham.

He won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup and three League Cups with the Red Devils.