Rio Ferdinand responds after Arsenal fans mock him on flight to Portugal

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Some Arsenal fans found themselves sharing a flight with Rio Ferdinand on the way to Porto today.

The 45-year-old was incidentally on the receiving end of some mocking chants from these supporters, after recently claiming that Bukayo Saka is not a world class footballer.

So, what did Arsenal fans chant at Rio Ferdinand and how did he respond? Let’s take a look…

What Arsenal fans chanted at Rio Ferdinand

Well – according to Gunner Blog – the Arsenal fans on this particular flight were chanting “Saka is world class” towards the TNT Sports pundit following his recent comments about the England international.

Ferdinand argued that the Arsenal No.7 is not a world class footballer just yet – due to the fact he hasn’t delivered the goods in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The Manchester United legend said on Vibe with FIVE: “Not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid. 

“He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world class yet.”

Arsenal fans clearly disagree, and Ferdinand actually grabbed the microphone during this flight to address the chants aimed in his direction.

In a video posted on X (previously known as Twitter) he said: “Hello guys. I just want to say it has been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans. I must say, Saka is a fantastic player, but he’s not world class yet. He will be one day, but just not yet.”

Fair play – Ferdinand took the banter very well indeed.

Bukayo Saka is world class

We understand Ferdinand’s point about the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, but Saka’s numbers this season – and prior to this campaign – are unquestionably world class.

The Hale End graduate has remarkably scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in just 32 appearances this term – there are not many players in Europe with double figures in both metrics.

Saka is also just one of seven players in history to record 75 Premier League goal involvements before the age of 23 – Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Romelu Lukaku and Robbie Fowlers are the other six.

All of those are world class names, so Saka simply has to be considered the same.