Ferdinand, who made his debut in an England shirt for the Under-18s back in 1996, quickly countered suggestions that the stunning price tag may hinder his football.

"That's nothing to do with me," he said of the fee which shatters the previous highest fee paid for a defender when Roma splashed out 13m on Argentinean defender Walter Samuel. "I'm just here to play football and improve my game."

Relaxed and at home in front of the cameras, Ferdinand paid tribute to West Ham United for the schooling he had received at the London club but said that he hoped his England career would move up a gear at Elland Road.

The lure of European football, claimed Ferdinand, was also a big incentive in his move to Yorkshire, and one he believes that he can use as a stepping-stone to establishing himself at international level.

"I've come to play European football, and hopefully moving to Leeds will further my England career," stated the elegant defender who currently has 10 full caps to his name. "This is a big step forward and hopefully my career can really grow from here," he enthused.

Ferdinand, who was in outstanding form in England's last match against Italy in Turin, clearly sees establishing himself on the international stage as his ultimate goal and the barometer by which he judges his and others' careers.

Comparisons have been drawn between Ferdinand and another skilful former West Ham centre-half, Bobby Moore. However, while Ferdinand feels flattered to be spoken about in the same breath as one of the legends of world football, he recognizes that, at this stage in his career, there remains a huge gulf between the achievements of the two.

"I have a long way to go before I get anywhere near Bobby Moore," Ferdinand reminded the scribes in the knowledge that his British record transfer fee will invite much media hype. "He[Moore] was a legend. I have only a handful of caps, he earned well over a hundred."

While it is encouraging that Ferdinand realizes he still has much to learn, Leeds' gain can only be to England's advantage. As he pits his wits against teams such as Lazio and Real Madrid in the Champions League over the forthcoming months, Ferdinand's game will mature and progress and he will no doubt relish the challenge of facing players and teams of the highest calibre.

England coach-in-waiting, Sven Goran Eriksson will no doubt have been impressed by Ferdinand's performance in Italy which pointed him out as a defender comfortable enough in possession to bring the ball out from the defence - a vital asset in international football.

Indeed with youngsters such as Paul Robinson, Wes Brown, Emile Heskey, Gareth Barry and Kieron Dyer also hitting peak form at the moment, the Swede will be rubbing his hands in anticipation of taking charge of a group of such youthful talent.