Legendary Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has jumped to the defence of former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo following criticism of the Portuguese star’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo signed a £175million-a year contract with Al Nassr, bringing the curtain down on a superb career in European football.
But the move has led to criticism from Premier League greats like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
Ferdinand has often expressed his support to Ronaldo and once again stood side by side with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in hitting back at Neville and Carragher’s claims.
“It was great to see David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, it was great to see them go to America,’ Ferdinand told 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.
“That’s all I saw in the media. But because it’s Saudi Arabia, it’s a disgrace, it’s 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.”
He continued: “Every single country in the world has its issues, so America has got less issues than Saudi, have they? But it’s fine for all these players to go to America. Let’s let them go to the States and have a swansong year and just toss it off.
“I don’t like it. It stinks we’re not hearing this type of talk. It’s out of order.
“Everyone should be treated the same. Every other player that’s gone to a less competitive league to end their career has been told you’ve earned the right. No man on the planet would have earned the right more than this guy.”
Ronaldo’s deal sees him become the highest-paid player in world football with his reported two-year deal.
He has also taken on an ambassadorial role and will front Saudi Arabia’s joint bid with Egypt and Greece to land the 2030 World Cup.
