Manchester United legend slams media for defaming Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, says CR7 has earned the ‘right’ to end his career in Saudi
The former Manchester United man is known to be good friends with the superstar.
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Rio Ferdinand played alongside Ronaldo for six years. (Credit: Goal.com)
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has come to the support of Cristiano Ronaldo, regarding his decision to join Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo has been subjected to criticism from the media ever since he revealed his move to Al-Nassr during the previous season.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr last year after getting released by Manchester United as the outcome of his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. He faced a lot of backlash for the move. It was termed as a tragic way to end an otherwise glorious career.
Ferdinand who played with Ronaldo during his first spell at Manchester United has defended him from these criticisms underlining the media’s hypocrisy. He said, “The media is shameful. When Rooney, Beckham, Lampard, and Gerrard went to America they said it was a great way to end their careers, to make a lot of money in a league that isn’t as competitive and they deserved it.”
He continued, “This is all I have been reading in the media. But when Cristiano Ronaldo decided to do this, it became a shame and a disaster all because he went to Saudi Arabia.” Rio Ferdinand said that although his move was unexpected, he’s glad that the player is happy and that is the most important thing.
He commented on the people saying it was a sad way to end his career, “I don’t understand how people can say this? This is a new adventure where he takes his family to discover a new culture too. All the other great players who went to a less competitive league to end their careers deserved it. And no man on the planet has earned the right to do it more than Cristiano.”
Cristiano Ronaldo reflects upon his first season at Al-Nassr
In an interview with the Saudi Pro League media channel, the renowned Portuguese star discussed his experience in the country and also shared his aspirations for the future. Ronaldo expressed his ambition to achieve success and win trophies with Al-Nassr. Despite receiving huge criticism for the move, the Portugal forward was surprised after joining the club.
In the interview, he said, “Well, my expectation was a bit different, to be honest, I was hoping to win something this year, but it is not always as we think or as we want.” His expectations did not translate to reality as Al-Nassr lost out in the title race to Al-Itihaad. “Sometimes we need passion, consistency, persistence and determination to achieve the best. I still believe that next year we will improve a lot, let’s say that in the last five or six months the team has improved a lot.“
The Real Madrid legend also spoke about the development of the league. He said, “I think there are other little things they need to improve. But I’m happy here, I want to stay here, I will stay here. In my opinion, if they continue to do the job they want to do here for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be one of the top five leagues in the world.”
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Arpan Ghosh
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