The former Queens Park Rangers player signed a two-year contract with the Royals last month after spending the 2013/14 campaign at Turkish club Antalyaspor.

The 29-year-old could make only three league appearances last season, but he is keen on making himself a first-team regular in Nigel Adkins' team this term.

"The last couple of years have been very difficult," Ferdinand told Getreading. "Politics off the field in Turkey didn't allow me to express myself on the pitch. It was hard for me.

"A lot of people have written me off. It's a bit like (being) out of sight, out of mind. But that chapter is now closed in my life and I've got a new one open and I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm now chomping at the bit to show people what I can do again. A lot of people have written me off and doubted whether I can come back to England and do well.

"I'm just thankful that Reading have given me this opportunity to do it and I want to repay them. Any player will tell you if you're not playing on a Saturday, you miss it.

"You can train all week, but if you don't play, you have nothing to look forward to at the weekend. It's been a hard year, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now."