Rio Ferdinand on Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Manchester United defender turned pundit Rio Ferdinand has revealed details of a private exchange with Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes after the Brazilian took issue with his past criticism.
Speaking on hisRio Ferdinand Presents show in the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Ferdinand explained that Gabriel had once reached out to him directly via message, frustrated by remarks that questioned his composure as a defender.
Ferdinand, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders, had previously suggested that Gabriel’s tendency to make “rash” and “emotional” decisions was holding him back from the elite level, citing a penalty conceded in a 2-2 draw with West Ham in April 2023 as an example.
“I said that, to become a top defender, he’s got to be less emotional and avoid making rash decisions in those critical moments,” Ferdinand recalled.
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The criticism prompted Gabriel to respond privately. According to Ferdinand, the Arsenal defender wrote: “You’ve never played the game if that’s how you’re going on, and I respected you, but the way you’re talking about me, it’s not fair.”
Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes (Image credit: Getty Images)
Ferdinand said he understood the reaction, admitting he had felt the same way during his own playing days when pundits were critical. “I respected him for that,” he added.
Despite his earlier comments, Ferdinand has since praised Gabriel’s development, pointing to his commanding performance against Liverpool. “You know, actually, who I’ve been enjoying watching lately? Gabriel. He’s so aggressive,” he said. “The only part of his game that’s improved is that he’s cut out those silly, rash mistakes that were holding him back.” Ferdinand credited experience and maturity for the defender’s evolution.
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Gabriel has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence since arriving from Lille in 2020 for £27 million. He has made 213 appearances for the club and earned back-to-back inclusions in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in 2024 and 2025. His partnership with William Saliba remains one of Arsenal’s strengths, with the Gunners conceding just one goal in their opening three matches of the 2025/26 campaign despite the setback at Anfield.
The private exchange between Ferdinand and Gabriel highlights the Brazilian’s sensitivity to external criticism but also his willingness to engage with it directly. Ferdinand suggested the two may one day look back on the exchange with perspective.
“I think when I see him again and we chat about it, he’ll go, ‘Do you know what, actually you were probably right at the time,’” he said.
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