Former England international Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he turned down a number of opportunities to leave Manchester United down the years.

The 34-year-old, who joined the Red Devils from Leeds United in 2002 for £30m, has previously been linked with clubs in Spain and Italy.

However, Ferdinand has insisted that despite the interest, he has never had any intention of departing Old Trafford.

"I could have left United for more money but that's never stimulated me. I've had the greatest stage here," he told The Sun. "If you have ambition, your aim has to be to make a name for yourself at a top club. Money should not be the overriding factor.

"As a player aged between say 23 and 27 that is what you should be looking at. It shows you are going somewhere and want to win trophies."

Meanwhile, the English champions have been linked with a host of players this summer, including Cesc Fabregas, Robert Lewandowski, Gareth Bale and Thiago Alcantara.

While United are bound to face competition in the transfer market over the coming weeks, Ferdinand has encouraged any targets to grasp the chance of joining United with both hands.

"If United come in for you, you take it. Even if you are a great player, you become a better one at this club. Cristiano Ronaldo became the best player in the world having come from Sporting Lisbon," the defender added.

"The likes of Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Andy Cole all became great players at United. With this platform you cannot believe anyone would ever turn it down.

"We are well paid, of course, but it's more important for me to be at a club which enjoys success, and historically is the greatest in the world, than to earn a bit extra somewhere else."

Ferdinand recently committed his future to United by signing a contract extension.