Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has denied claims that he was holding out for a 120,000-pounds-a-week contract at Old Trafford after finally signing anew contract.

Ferdinand, 26, agreed a new deal on Monday but suggestions thathe wanted such a big-money deal led to United fans booing him in pre-season matches.

"It is not nice to get stick from the fans, particularly over something that was never true," he was quoted as saying by the Sun.

"I don't know where those stories came from but it was a load of rubbish."

Ferdinand had incurred the wrath of fans, who questioned his loyalty during drawn-out contract negotiations.

Ferdinand wants to make it clear that his commitment to the club was never in doubt - and he hinted that he is keen to end hiscareer at Old Trafford.

"I will never forget how the club stood by me during my eight-month ban last year and it hurts to suggest I would throw that loyalty back in their face," he added.

"The supporters were reading all sorts of stuff about me that was totally wide of the mark and that has made things difficult inrecent weeks.

"I said all along I wanted to stay at the club. The deal runs until 2009 and hopefully I can stay on longer than that."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his player during the summer and reiterated his support following the announcement of the deal.

"The talks have always been conducted in a good spirit and we are pleased with the outcome," said Ferguson.

"I expect our fans to get behind him."

Ferdinand believes it is time to concentrate on the upcoming season and believes United are "in very good shape".

"I am convinced we are good enough to challenge for the championship," he added.

"I would not have committed my long-term future to the club if I did not believe we can win the league."

Editor: Donald