ChampionshipReading have signed former West Ham, Sunderland and QPR defender Anton Ferdinand on a two-year deal. The 29 year old has been without a club for almost a year, since he left Antalyaspor in Turkey.
Ferdinand told the clubs official website: "It feels fantastic to sign for a club like Reading. The first thing you feel when you come here is that it's a family environment.
"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.
"I've got things to prove, to myself and everyone. A lot of people have written me off and doubted me because I've been away for a year, but I'm here to prove to people that I can offer a lot to English football. I want to offer what I can to Reading, and hopefully that means promotion.
"I'm champing at the bit to play my first game. I don't know when that will be as I'm lacking match fitness - I'm a bit behind the boys. I'm going to train hard, and when the gaffer thinks I'm ready, and then I'll be ready."
Reading boss Nigel Adkins added: "I'd like to officially welcome Anton to the club.
"We're pleased to have signed three players in the last few days with him, Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie. I know they will all add to what is a very hard-working group of players."
