Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has defended Cristiano Ronaldo from media criticism following his move from Europe to Al Nassr.
After falling out with his managers at Juventus and Manchester United, the Portugal international struggled to find another club in Europe and moved to the Saudi Pro League.
He has brought publicity to the competition and encouraged other top players to join him there. However, some pundits and fans have mocked and criticised him for moving to the Middle East for the money.
The likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard also moved to the MLS at the end of their careers for one last payday, and they seem to be praised for the decision, while Ronaldo gets criticised.
Ferdinand sees hypocrisy in the different treatments and slams the media who have attacked his former Manchester United teammate.
He said: “The media is shameful. When Rooney, Beckham, Lampard, and Gerrard went to America they said it was a great way to end their careers, to make a lot of money in a league that isn’t as competitive as they deserved.
“This is all I have been reading in the media. But when Cristiano Ronaldo decided to do this, it became a shame and a disaster all because he went to Saudi Arabia…”