Rio Ferdinand has told Arsenal supporters to apologise to their new ‘star boy’ Noni Madueke who joined this summer amid plenty of discontent.
England international Madueke signed from Chelsea this summer for £48.5m, with Arsenal fans making clear they were not too pleased at the transfer.
However, Madueke shone in Arsenal’s recent win over Nottingham Forest and has started well this season at his new home at the Emirates Stadium.
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Noni Madueke of Arsenal is challenged by Neco Williams of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
With Bukayo Saka injured, Madueke has replaced him in his favoured right wing position and his performances have led high profile pundits to admit they were wrong about doubting his signing.
Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal ‘saviour’ Noni Madueke deserves apology from Gunners fans
Speaking on his Rio Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand raved about Madueke, who also scored his first England goal last week in the big win over Serbia.
“I just want to address the haters, the naysayers who were criticizing Madueke,” Ferdinand began. “The star boy is out there.
“Madueke has moved over to that right side and said, ‘Guys, I’m going to give you something a little bit different. There’s a different source coming, but I’m going to show you something.’ And he has delivered in a game.
“Arsenal fans are now salivating over him, saying, ‘Oh, we love him. He’s our saviour.’ Those fans – the naysayers and negative ones – need to come forward now, apologise, and say sorry. An apology is due. How dare we treat one of our own like that?”
Rio Ferdinand joins Martin Keown in admitting Noni Madueke doubts were wrong
Ferdinand’s comments come after former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told Madueke directly on Saturday that he was wrong about his initial verdict on the winger.
Noni Madueke thanks the Arsenla fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Keown said: “I was worried about you when you came because I thought sometimes you can be a little bit selfish.
“But now you seem to have really good balance to your play. The decisions you’ve been making have been outstanding.”
With Saka set to be out for another few weeks, Madueke has a perfect chance to lock down the right wing spot, continuing at Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Tuesday.