Jamie Carragher has been called out for his silence on Steven Gerrard's move to Saudi Arabia by a boisterous Rio Ferdinand.
The Liverpool icon and former Rangers manager made the move to Al-Ettifaq official this week after he was let go by Aston Villa last year. His former Anfield pal Carragher launched a scintillating blast on social media accusing the Middle Eastern Pro League of 'sportswashing' after a flurry of high-profile players signed big-money moves. The effect of the Saudi takeover was felt by Celtic after Gerrard's new rivals Al-Ittihad secured Jota's services for an eye-watering £25million this week.
Yet the Sky Sports mouthpiece did not react in the same vein to Gerrard's unveiling in Saudi, something that has irked BT Sport pundit and former rival Ferdinand. The Manchester United hero has called out Carragher and reckons he hasn't 'heard a peep' out of him after Gerrard's move. Yet Carragher wasn't about to back down on Twitter and accused the former defender of being in fear of criticising his 'paymaster' for appearing at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
It all got very heated between the two on social media, as Ferdinand threw a jibe at Carragher for carrying Gerrard's boots and bags when they were at Liverpool. He told the FIVE podcast: "Jamie Carragher...where are you man? I heard a lot of talk, a lot of negativity about Saudi. 'Oh Bernardo Silva, I can't believe it. It's a disgrace. It needs investigating this league etc'. Steven Gerrard's gone. You used to carry his boots and his bag at Anfield. Your boy has gone over there, I haven't heard a peep out of you.
"I've not heard how disappointed you are. I want to see him say, 'I can't believe Stevie's gone there'. I'm actually buzzing for any of the guys who have gone out to Saudi. Because it's Saudi people are going mad but all these other countries and leagues over the years have done exactly the same thing."
Carragher responded on Twitter, throwing the barb back at Ferdinand by saying: "Never criticised Silva, Benzema, Neves or SG, I don’t like Saudi trying to buy football like they have Golf. I knew you’d be all over it @rioferdy5 like you were in Qatar! Thats why you refused to do the opening game for @BBCMOTD didn’t want to criticise your paymaster!"
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