QPR chairman Tony Fernandes hails Rio Ferdinand's 'tremendous influence'

Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes has spoken highly of summer signing Rio Ferdinand by insisting that he has become a 'tremendous influence' around the club.

The former England international moved to Loftus Road on a free transfer after calling time on his 12-year spell at Manchester United at the end of last season.

"Rio has been fantastic since he came here," Fernandes told The Express. "Obviously we brought him in for his quality and experience, but he has been more than that.

"His influence around the place is tremendous. He sends me texts messages nearly every day. He loves it."

As well as Ferdinand, the Premier League side were able to recruit Sandro, Steven Caulker, Jordon Mutch, Leroy Fer, Alex McCarthy and Niko Kranjcar in the summer transfer window.