Former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand has openly slammed the criticism that has been pointed towards the Portuguese. Ferdinand has defended Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Arabian club by comparing it to his former colleagues Wayne Rooney and David Beckham's moves to the MLS. (More Football News)
"It was great to see David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, it was great to see them go to America," Ferdinand was quoted on his Vibe with FIVE podcast. "What a way to finish their careers, getting great money, going to a league that's not as competitive, they've deserved that, they've earned the right."
He adds, "That's all I saw in the media. But because it's Saudi Arabia, it's a disgrace, its sad. Let a man go and live, let a man go and enjoy it. It's a new adventure he's taking his family to experience a new culture."
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in a sensational £175million-a-year contract following his tumultuous exit from Manchester United in November.
Ronaldo had been a free agent after his contract was terminated by Manchester United following an explosive TV interview in which he criticized manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners after having been repeatedly benched and even temporarily suspended by the club.
Ronaldo said in a statement that he was “eager to experience a new football league in a different country.”
“I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia,” the forward added.
He is also coming off a disappointing World Cup where he was benched in the knockout rounds and left the field in tears after Portugal lost in the quarterfinals to Morocco.
(With inputs from AP)
