Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that he "actually loves" Newcastle United fans despite his admission that he has made "tongue-in-cheek comments" about the club in the past.
Ferdinand has not been shy regarding his assertions of the team over the years. During Mike Ashley's time in charge, the former Leeds man often came to his defence and even went as far to suggest that fans should chip in themselves to buy the former owner out of the club at one point.
However, after watching Newcastle's dominant 2-0 victory over Erik ten Hag's side, Ferdinand appears to have had a change of heart over the Tyneside club.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe now has Newcastle luxury with starting XI changes expected against Brentford
“I have to say, I respect what Eddie Howe is doing there,” he told Vibe with Five. “The fanbase is crazy. They don’t warm to me anymore after a couple of tongue-in-cheek comments about them ages ago.
“But I actually love the Newcastle fans and the way they support their team is phenomenal. When I come up the next time guys, give me a bit of love man! It shouldn’t be all hate.
“If there is any club that I’d love to see do well because I know what it means to the city, to the people and the way they support their club it would be Newcastle, so good luck man.”
The former Man United defender also admitted that his old side underestimated how big a test it would be for them ahead of the 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.
"I knew this would be a tough game,” he added. "Man United players didn’t grasp that going to St James’ is a big test for all teams, especially the way these guys are playing.
“Down the years it’s always been a test, but the Newcastle players grasped that this game is about getting into the top four and if you come to our house, you’re going to have to outwork us and Man United’s players didn’t turn up.
“When you hear Luke Shaw talking about a lack of commitment, desire and energy - all the ingredients you need before talking about skill - they didn’t possess on the day.
“Under Eddie Howe, you bring that every single week, and that’s one thing I respect about your team."
READ NEXT
- West Ham 1-5 Newcastle United - Give us your player ratings after Premier League victory
- Newcastle's ominous warning, Eddie Howe rages and humiliating David Moyes chant - 5 things
- Newcastle United supporters hail 'massive' West Ham demolition after 5-1 victory
- Joelinton reacts to Newcastle United's 5-1 win and reveals Champions League dream
- West Ham 1-5 Newcastle United: Five star Magpies take huge stride towards Europe
