EPLManchester UnitedNews

“I don’t think Cristiano is going to take that call (if Neville calls him)”, Rio Ferdinand opens up on Gary Neville-Cristiano Ronaldo no handshake incident

After the Portuguese striker ignored the Sky Sports commentator before the start of the match against West Ham on Sunday, Rio Ferdinand expressed his belief that the relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gary Neville, a former colleague of Ronaldo’s at Manchester United, may be beyond repair.

Advertisement

Before the match against the Hammers over the weekend, Ronaldo shook hands with Louis Saha and Jamie Redknapp, but he opted to snub Gary Neville, who was covering United’s 1-0 triumph at home. The former Reds right-back laughed off the on-air mishap almost immediately after it took place by cracking a joke about it.

It happened after Neville had earlier indicated that Erik ten Hag’s side was a superior team with Ronaldo on the bench, which seemed to upset the former Real Madrid star. 

Advertisement

Since then, United great Rio Ferdinand, who played alongside both players during his 12-year tenure at Old Trafford, has revealed that it would surprise him to see the 37-year-old forgive the Sky Sports commentator. Ferdinand played alongside both players during his time at United.

Ferdinand expressed his scepticism on Cristiano Ronaldo’s willingness to take the call on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel (if Neville calls him). 

He said: “I don’t think Cristiano is going to take that call (if Neville calls him). If you know Cristiano, you know it’s gone, right? You have said what you have said and think what you think.

Advertisement

If I could do it over again, I think I would have gone up to a couple of people, shook their hands, and said, “You talk too much, see you later.” Then I would have left. Just a small poke in the eye.

They would have run into each other, and Neville would have gone straight to the gantry. When you’re getting ready for a game, you won’t go looking for someone. I can see why people say he didn’t have to do that, but from a player’s point of view, it’s never good when a pundit criticises them.”

They were teammates, but they’re not the kind of people who would text each other or do other things like that. And Cristiano also looks up to Gary. He looked up to him as one of the more experienced players at the club. He would burn that to get going.”

Advertisement

The former Manchester United defender also said that Gary Neville seemed “nervous” when Cristiano Ronaldo approached, before suggesting that Ronaldo’s choice to ignore him was “pre-meditated.” In addition to this, he stated that even in his role as a player, he would have acted in the same manner.

Advertisement

    Related Articles

    Back to top button