Former England international RioFerdinand has hit out at the media for criticising Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Asia.
The former Manchester United defender said that the Portuguese’s move to the SPL is similar to when some England legends moved to America’s Major League Soccer, MLS, towards the end of their respective careers.
The likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and a host of other English legends moved to the MLS where they ended their football career.
Ronaldo moved to the Middle East in December 2022 after Red Devil terminated his contract after a mutual agreement.
“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 as they deserved,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with Five.
“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.”
