Rio Ferdinand has attacked the media for their unjustifiable complaints about Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a massive two years deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr which makes him the highest-paid football player in the history of the beautiful game.
Since his move to the Middle East last season, the 38-year-old has suffered attacks and mockery from the media.
The former Manchester United forward reportedly pushed to join Champions League club after he terminated his contract with the Red Devils by mutual consent, but instead completely turned his back on European football which led him to part ways with his super agent Jorge Mendes.
Reason Why Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr?
The former Real Madrid frontman’s relationship with the Red Devils turned bitter after the five-times Ballon d’Or winner was seen speaking against Man United manager Erik ten Hag and the club board in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Therefore, the former Sporting Lisbon man ended his stay with Man United by mutual consent and joined the Saudi Pro League following his heartbreaking World Cup campaign in Qatar where Portugal got knocked out by Morroco in the quarter-finals.
However, despite having several offers from Europe and MLS clubs, the former Juventus striker decided to accept Al-Nassr’s lucrative offer a few weeks later after the 2022 FIFA World Cup exit.
The 38-year-old encountered objection to his opinion back then, with some eyewitnesses indicating he preferred to avoid the devotion to European football. But his former teammate Rio Ferdinand says the international leading goalscorer has stabilized satisfaction again on the Saudi side.
However, Rio Ferdinand criticized the media for coming after Ronaldo’s decision, also, the England International even brought up how the judgment faced by the player was knitted with insincerity.
The former Manchester United and England defender is perplexed by the criticism leveled against Ronaldo in light of the acclaim accorded to other great players from the English Premier League who have previously left Europe for other continentals.
Speaking on Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia, Rio Ferdinand said; “The media is shameful. When Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, and Steven 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”.
“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”.
“I’m glad he’s finally happy for any footballer, whatever his level, happiness and being content in the environment in which we play is one of the most important things”.
“He hasn’t been happy for a while so I’m glad he found that happiness again, even if it’s at an unexpected club”.
Rio Ferdinand further reflected his backing for the player’s move to Al-Nassr. The former Red Devils player understands the move could help the Portugal International enormously.
He added; “I’ve seen people comment and some experts saying it was a sad way for him to end his career. The only sadness is how it ended at Manchester United”.
Christian Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr
The 2016 UEFA Euro winner put pen to paper on a 75 million dollars per year deal with the Saudi outfit, who finished second in the just concluded Saudi Arabia Pro League, however, according to reports, Ronaldo will earn 207 million dollars per season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stats since joining Al-Nassr
The current most appeared International player represented Al-Nassr 17 times in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and dashing out two assists.
What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
The 38-year-old will join his Al-Nassr teammates after his vacation in preparation for the pre-season tour before the Saudi Pro League kicks off next season.
