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Anton, brother of former England international and current QPR centre-back Rio, followed in his sibling's footsteps and started his career off at West Ham, making 138 appearances and scoring 5 goals. During his Hammers career, he guided them to a Championship Play Off victory at Wembley in the 2004/05 season, and picked up a Premier League Player Of The Month award in January 2006.
He's also played for Sunderland and QPR during his professional career, making 85 appearances over three years on Wearside before 44 appearances in two seasons at Loftus Road. After his release from West London, he headed to Turkey, making appearances for Super Liga sides Bursaspor and Antalyaspor. In June, he was rumoured to have signed for Thai side Police United, owned by Samit Bunditkitsada, but the move fell through - and now Anton returns to the Madejski just as another one departs.
Ferdinand's arrival has been greeted with mixed reactions from supporters. Some feel that he doesn't add much to the current squad and isn't needed when we already have the centre back pairing of Sean Morrison and Alex Pearce. However, his experience will help our younger players in the squad such as Jake Cooper and Pierce Sweeney. It will also make Sean Morrison and Alex Pearce work for their places in the starting 11. There hasn't been much pressure on them for starting places as the only other recognised centre back, Michael Hector has played in midfield throughout pre-season and in the opener at Wigan on Saturday.
At the age of 29, he's just about at his peak as a centre-back, and adds top division experience and guile to the squad. Welcome, Anton - just don't go missing.