MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has recalled the moment Sir Alex Ferguson announced his Old Trafford departure.

The legendary manager stepped down from his position after the Red Devils won the Premier League back in 2013.

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He announced his exit less than two weeks before the final day of the season, leaving fans devastated.

And Ferdinand has admitted that he and his team-mates were equally as upset to see Ferguson leave.

Speaking to ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel on the , the former defender said: "The WhatsApp messages started getting crazy the night before the news hit the media. And in the morning, everyone is texting each other that the manager is leaving.

"I’ll never forget the moment. The air almost sapped out of the changing room, and everyone just looked at each other."

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He then went on to reveal that Robin Van Persie, who had only joined United one year prior, was almost in tears after the announcement.

Ferdinand explained: "I remember that Robin Van Persie signed because the manager was there, and I remember looking at him straight away, and he was almost in tears.

"Although he’s had hardly a season with the manager, he adored the gaffer. The guy was gobsmacked."

Van Persie joined Man Utd in a £24million transfer from Arsenal in 2012.

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Ferguson was initially reluctant to sign him as he believed the Dutchman was "too old" but they eventually reached an agreement on a four-year deal.

The striker went on to score 58 goals in 105 appearances and played a crucial role in United's title-winning season.

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