Speaking on his official Facebook page, Rio Ferdinand has opened up about his decision to leave Leeds United in 2002, comparing it to Romelu Lukaku’s current situation at Everton.

Ferdinand was part of David O’Leary’s Leeds side that challenged for the Premier League title and appeared in the Champions League Semi-Final in 2001, having joined the Whites from West Ham United.

However, despite Leeds competing at the top of the Premier League, Ferdinand pushed through a transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2002, where he went on to become one of the most decorated defenders to have ever played.

The 38-year old, who is now a pundit for BT Sport, spoke about his time with Leeds as he encouraged Lukaku to leave Everton to challenge for trophies, similar to the move he made in 2002, he said:

“He wants it immediately, he wants it now. He wants to win titles and play Champions League football.

“I understand his desire for that. I was in a situation at Leeds. I was playing Champions League football but were we winning? Did we win the league? No. The crux of me leaving Leeds was the idea that I was going to win the Premier League. Simple as that.”

Ferdinand’s departure from Elland Road was the beginning of the end for the side that ‘lived the dream’ as Leeds suffered releagation from the Premier League just two years after the defender’s departure.

Leeds have not returned to the Premier League since 2004, but current head-coach Garry Monk looks like he could be the man to lead the Whites back to the top-flight.

Monk’s side are currently fourth in the Sky Bet Championship, and look set for a place in the end of season Play-Offs, after an impressive 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Leeds fans… Do you believe Ferdinand would have won trophies if he remained at Elland Road? Let us know in the comments!