Former Leeds United defender Rio Ferdinand has admitted it was difficult to shake off the pressure that came with his price tag following his move from West Ham United.

The 45-year-old swapped Upton Park for Elland Road in November 2000. The move would see him become the world's most expensive defender at the time, with an £18million fee paid by the West Yorkshire club.

And Ferdinand went on to become an integral part of David O'Leary's side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. The defender would also enjoy memorable moments in his maiden campaign with the club, including goals against Liverpool and on his return to East London.

He would become the club captain the following season after replacing Lucas Radebe, and would produce another impressive term for the Whites. However, due to financial struggles at the club, new manager Terry Venables would be forced to part ways with the defender.

Prior to his move to Old Trafford, Ferdinand would enjoy a solid FIFA World Cup campaign. The Three Lions would reach the quarter-final stage before being knocked out by Brazil, playing in all five games which included a goal against Denmark in the Round of 16.

Upon his return to England, Leeds accepted an initial bid of £29.3million, with potential performance add-ons taking the total sum of the transfer to £33.3million. The move broke the record previously set by Ferdinand for the planet's most expensive defender.

But speaking on his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand admitted that he felt the weight of expectation immediately. The former England defender said it impacted his daily life, both at Leeds and Manchester United.

"The pressure that [beings a world record transfer] brings is immeasurable," he started. "Anywhere you walk... subconsciously you feel that people are looking at you, thinking and talking about the price tag.

"Whether it's going to the shops for a loaf of bread, filling your car up with petrol or walking down the road with your missus. Whatever it is, you just think all eyes are on you, and all they're thinking about is the transfer fee and the expectation."

Ferdinand ended his Elland Road career having made 73 appearances across his two year spell with the club. He would go on to win the Premier League six times with the Red Devils, retiring from the professional game in 2013.