Ferdinand joins Reading on two-year deal

Former West Ham and QPR defender Anton Ferdinand is set to play in football’s second tier as he signs for Reading on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old controversial younger bother of ex-Manchester United star Rio, has spent a season playing in Turkey following his release from Harry Redknapp’s QPR in 2013.

Having experienced some rocky times in England including spats with other players – most notably Chelsea captain John Terry – along with issues off the pitch such as nightclub brawls, problems seem to follow wherever Ferdinand junior goes with the former West Ham academy player admitting to his year in Turkey being a rather rough ride, too.

The defender insisted he is looking forward to playing once again on home turf as he prepares for the upcoming season in the Championship.

“It feels fantastic to sign for a club like Reading” he told the BBC. “I’ve been away from English football for a year and had some tough times.

“Turkey is a fantastic place to go and play football, but certain things off the field didn’t allow me to enjoy my football.

“That chapter is closed now, and I’ve opened a new chapter at Reading and I’m looking forward to it.

Anton transfers the Madejski on two-year contract and will join boss Nigel Atkins’ Reading side for their first home game of the new Championship season this Saturday against Ipswich Town.