Rio linked with MLS move and Magath insists survival was impossible

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Rio Ferdinand will be offered the chance to play in America before hanging up his boots, the Sunday People say.

The 35-year-old former England defender has struggled since leaving Manchester United to join QPR in the summer and has indicated that he plans to retire at the end of season.

There has been speculation that Ferdinand, who recently lost his place in the Rangers side, could even quit in January.

But the People say Major League Soccer bosses are ready to make him an offer as they see him as having huge marketing potential and that the new Indian Super League would also love him to boost its profile.

Related West London Sport story: Clause means Rangers can ditch Rio

Ferdinand has struggled since his move from Manchester United
Ferdinand has struggled since his move from Manchester United

Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday have an interview with Felix Magath, who insists he had an impossible task in trying to keep Fulham in the Premier League last season.

The German, sacked as manager following the Whites’ dismal start to life in the Championship, said: “There was a feeling of resignation that they would be relegated.

“I was the third manager last season and the club was in a state of confusion.

“There was no chance for me to bring in players to lift spirits because the January window had closed. I had to work with players that failed with two previous managers.

Fulham manager Felix Magath
Magath lost his job at Fulham after some dismal results

“It simply wasn’t possible to lift them because earlier judgments were wrong.

“The decision to replace [Martin] Jol with Rene Muelensteen in December after a poor start to the season made their predicament worse because the signings made in January did not fit.

“That did not help and eventually Fulham lost their Premier League status.”

Magath also explained why he forced Bryan Ruiz and Kostas Mitroglou to train away from the first team before they were sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven and Olympiakos respectively.

He said: “Both players told me they did not want to be at Fulham in the Championship, so for me that was the end of the matter and I didn’t want to waste my time on players like that.

“Kostas cost the club £11m and was sent to the gym because he was too heavy.”

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