Manchester United legend slams media for hypocrisy during Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo transfer, hints it derogates Saudi and Asian culture

While Messi was sympathized Ronaldo was criticized was by many all over media.

Manchester United legend slams media for hypocrisy during Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo transfer, hints it derogates Saudi and Asian culture

Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (Credit: Goal.com)

Rio Ferdinand has slammed the critics of Cristiano Ronaldo. Many people scoffed at the player when he joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The player was released by Manchester United just before the world cup last year due to a controversial interview with Piers Morgan where he criticized them. After a heartbreaking World Cup exit, he decided to join Al-Nassr after getting multiple offers mainly outside Europe.

However, he was slated for it. This was due to many reasons. First was an interview in the past when he had implied that he would retire at the top in Europe, unlike Xavi who retired in Qatar. During the Piers Morgan interview, Ronaldo said that he had offers from multiple European giants but rejected them to stay at United. Thus, when he was unveiled in Saudi he was massively trolled.

YouTube video

Rio Ferdinand, his former teammate has come to his defense yet again. He did it once a few months ago when he praised Ronaldo for his Saudi move. He has now done it because of Lionel Messi.

FS Video

Ferdinand said, “Look at how the media and people dealt with Messi going to America & Cristiano Ronaldo going to Saudi Arabia. When a player goes to America you applaud him, but when a player goes to Saudi, he is attacked and Saudis are called monsters. Do you want to tell me that America is a perfect country?” The defender also went on to say that had he not retired, he would have moved to a Saudi club.

Media’s reaction to Lionel Messi’s move in contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo’s

Lionel Messi, who is considered Cristiano Ronaldo‘s biggest rival recently left PSG in Europe to join Inter Miami. He had offers from his boyhood club, Barcelona, and Al Nassr’s archrivals Al-Hilal.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (Credit: Goal.com)

But, he decided to join Inter Miami instead. However, unlike Ronaldo, this move has been praised. Messi’s MLS form has been impeccable which is one of the reasons for it. But he also left Europe for an easier league.

When this was announced, the public sympathized with him because he had a tough time at PSG. Everyone supported the Miami move. But when Ronaldo moved to Riyadh, barely anyone acknowledged his personal difficulties. This is what angered Rio Ferdinand.

In case you missed: