Leeds striker Alan Smith has warned former team-mate Rio Ferdinand to expect to be 'hammered' by the club's fans when he returns to Elland Road with Manchester United next weekend.
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Ferdinand: Joined Leeds' bitter rivals across Pennines
(BenRadford/Allsport) |
Ferdinand has admitted that he does not know what sort of reception to expect,
although Eric Cantona was forced to endure a torrent of abuse after making the
same switch across the Pennines.
Smith believes that his England colleague, who signed for United for £30
million this summer, deserves a good reception from the Leeds fans due to the
staunch service which he gave the club.
However, he admitted: 'I don't know exactly how the Leeds fans will react. To
be honest, Rio will probably get hammered as soon as he walks onto the pitch.
'I believe he did everything he possibly could for our club and, while he
deserves a good reception, it is out of our hands and it is out of his hands
too.
'I hope he gets hammered, it might put him off a bit! No, not really, I am
only joking.
'He is a good lad, a world- class player and I am really looking forward to
playing against him.
'The only reason why people will be giving him stick is because they are
disappointed to lose him. Like any good players, we would have liked to keep
him.
'It will be strange to play against him but it will be a very good test of
character and skill for me. I am looking forward to it.'
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