Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has spoken out strongly against some Arsenal fans for how they are treating Noni Madueke, the Chelsea winger who is about to join the Gunners.
Madueke, 23, is close to completing a £52 million move to Arsenal. He even left Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad to finish the deal. But instead of celebrating the new signing, a group of angry Arsenal fans have created an online petition called #NOTOMADUEKE to try and stop the move. Almost 5,000 people have already signed it, and some graffiti saying “Arteta Out” was even seen near the Emirates Stadium.
Rio Ferdinand didn’t like this at all.
He went on social media and called the fans’ behavior “an utter disgrace.” He said Madueke is just a young English player trying to grow his career and doesn’t deserve to be bullied orembarrassed like this.
“For a 23-year-old footballer to be treated like this, when he should be happy about a big move, is really sad,” Ferdinand said. “Think about how it must feel for him or his family.”
Ferdinand also said he’s not talking about all Arsenal fans — just the small group making the most noise. He ended by sending Madueke support:
“I hope Noni goes to Arsenal and proves all the haters wrong,” he said.
Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven last year for £28.5 million. Since then, he’s played for the England national team.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that Madueke asked to leave and was allowed to go back to London to complete his move.
“Noni has been important to us,” Maresca said. “But I only want players who are happy to be here.”
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