Rio Ferdinand became the club's most expensive signing, British football's most expensive player and world football's most expensive defender when he signed from West Ham United for £18 million in November 2000. In his season-and-a-half at Elland Road, Ferdinand experienced the best of Leeds in the post-Wilkinson era. The club waded into the thick of the fight for the Premier League title and became the story of the Champions League in 2001. And Ferdinand was the first player to receive a 10/10 match rating from the YEP's Phil Hay on a night to remember when the Whites routed Deportivo La Coruna at Elland Road. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand goes head to head with Ipswich Town's James Scowcroft during the Premiership clash at Portman Road in February 2001. The Whites won 2-1. Photo: Getty
8. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand clears the ball from Anderlecht's Tomasz Radzinski during the UEFA Champions League Group D match at Elland Road in February 2001. Leeds won 2-1. Photo: Getty
9. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand goes past three Charlton Athletic players during the Premier League clash at The Valley in March 2001. Leeds won 2-1. Photo: Getty
10. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand scores during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg clash against Deportivo La Coruna at Elland Road in April 2001. Photo: Getty
11. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Rio Ferdinand celebrates scoring against Liverpool at Anfield in April 2001. Photo: Getty
12. Rio Ferdinand in focus
Manager David O''Leary congratulates Rio Ferdinand after Leeds United beat West Ham United at Upton Park in April 2001. Ferdinand scored in a 2-0 win. Photo: Getty