Sunderland signing Anton Ferdinand says Roy Keane persuaded him to leave
Published 00:00 28/08/08 By By Lee West
Anton Ferdinand admits Roy Keane's powers of persuasion convinced him to leave West Ham.
The England Under-21 defender is now looking forward to a new chapter in his career after signing a four-year, £40,000-a-week deal in an £8million switch to Sunderland.
And it was Keane's big plans at the Stadium of Light that proved decisive in the 23-year-old cutting his Upton Park ties after more than 160 games for the Hammers.
Ferdinand admitted: "It was hard leaving West Ham because I've been there for six years.
"But after meeting Roy Keane I knew it was time for a change and this is a new start for me."
A hamstring injury will prevent Ferdinand making his Black Cats debut until their trip to Wigan on September 13.
The centre-back added: "It's a great challenge for me because it's an exciting time at Sunderland.
"The move will do me good and bring the best out of me. I can't wait to get - going."
Keane is close to a 10th summer signing with £1m Manchester City defender Michael Ball ready to join.
Keane added: "I've one more player in mind and then that's the end of it - for a few months at least."
Check out Mirror.co.uk's 10 Things you need to know about Anton Ferdinand
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