Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Noni Madueke amid the huge backlash to his potential transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal as some Gunners fans begin a petition against the move
Rio Ferdinand has been stunned by the reaction to Noni Madueke's possible move
Rio Ferdinand has been stunned by the reaction to Noni Madueke's possible move
(Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has taken aim at those who have taken aim at Noni Madueke as his Arsenal move edges closer - which has not pleased everyone who attends the Emirates.
The Chelsea star has fallen down the pecking order with more new signings arriving, potentially decreasing his involvement further. As a result the Blues are open to his exit with their London rivals returning to buy another one of their players.
In recent years Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all left Stamford Bridge to head to the Emirates and Madueke could follow the same path. It would mean that Arsenal have spent more than £100million on players from Chelsea in three years.
Mikel Arteta's side had been linked with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, but opting for Madueke has seen some fans air their frustration. So much so that a petition against the transfer was created and signed by thousands.
Ferdinand is stunned by the reaction and claims that Arsenal fans should be celebrating their latest capture, not taking aim at an individual as the ex-Manchester United defender admitted he'd "never seen anything like this before".
He said on his social channels: "For a Young 23 year old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally strip down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million. Yes a young kid with a dream about to secure a £55 million dream move to a club of his desire leaving a rival at that to be treated in this manner via section of the Arsenal fan base is an utter disgrace.
"Just put yourself in his shoes for one minute just put yourself in his parents shoes for one minute and just think of how that feeling must be. I’ll say it again, at a time as a player as a human as a family you should be celebrating. I just hope the people that are closest to him are around him and supporting him in the way that he needs right now.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 08: Noni Madueke of Chelsea looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium on July 08, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Arsenal are close to signing Noni Madueke(Image: Image Photo Agency, Getty Images)
"It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings or decisions made at their football club but the way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions and those who have gone a step further in publicly joining a petition for this player not to be signed by their football club is beyond me. I have never seen anything like this before, and I hope I don’t ever again. Like I said earlier just imagine this was your best friend, one of your family members, your brother, son…then tell me how would you feel if they were on the receiving end of this vulgar behaviour ???
"By the way, This isn’t aimed at all Arsenal fans it’s just a small section who have become very loud unfortunately. I just hope the transfer goes through and Noni Madueke rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these impostors. Whatever happens from here good luck Noni."
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