QPR veteran Rio Ferdinand claims Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement at Manchester United hit Robin van Persie the hardest within the squad.
The 31-year-old's goals in his first season at the club were a major reason behind the Reds clawing the Premier League title back from Manchester City.
Ferdinand told MUTV: "It took the wind out of everyone's sails. It gave us an extra push to go and win be successful in that last season.
"Everyone was really appreciative for what he'd done for our careers.
"The person it hit more than anyone was Robin. He'd come the year before, tasted that success and wanted more.
"Visually you could see it hit him harder than anyone else at the time."
