Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who is reportedly on the verge of sealing a £55 million switch to Arsenal, amid fierce criticism from a section of the Gunners’ fanbase.
In a strongly-worded message posted online, Ferdinand painted a vivid picture of what he described as unwarranted abuse directed at the 23-year-old England international at a time that should be a career milestone.
“Noni Madueke. For a young 23-year-old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally stripped down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million…” Ferdinand began, clearly taken aback by the backlash.
Madueke, who is reportedly set to cross the London divide from Chelsea to Arsenal, has found himself under a spotlight—not for his performances, but due to a wave of online petitions and criticisms aimed at blocking the move. Ferdinand, known for being vocal about player welfare, didn’t hold back in calling out the behaviour.
“Just put yourself in his shoes for one minute… just put yourself in his parents’ shoes… I just hope the people that are closest to him are around him and supporting him in the way that he needs right now,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll such public scrutiny can take on a young athlete.
While acknowledging that fans have every right to question signings or express opinions, the former England centre-back drew a line between disagreement and personal attack.
“It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings or decisions made at their football club… but 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,” he added.
In a message directed squarely at those fanning the flames, Ferdinand urged fans to consider the human side of football, especially when the subject could easily be someone close to them.
“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?”
Ferdinand was quick to clarify that his message wasn’t a blanket criticism of Arsenal supporters, but rather addressed to a “small section who have become very loud unfortunately.”
Closing his statement on a defiant note, he expressed hope for Madueke to rise above the noise and prove doubters wrong.
“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.”
