Rio Ferdinand has admitted he is “glad” Ben Chilwell celebrated in the way he did after scoring against former club Leicester City on Saturday. The former Manchester United and England centre-back added he felt Leicester supporters “deserved” his antagonising response, after the Chelsea left-back was goaded for much of the match.
Chilwell came through the Leicester City academy and was a regular before moving to Stamford Bridge for £50million during the summer of 2020. Upon renewing acquaintances last weekend, the 26-year-old opened the scoring as Graham Potter’s side eased to a 3-1 victory.
Prior to scoring with an excellent volley from a tight angle, Chilwell was the subject of boos and jeers from the home faithful at the King Power Stadium. This came as a result of the manner of his exit from the East Midlands outfit, which left a sour taste in the mouths of Foxes supporters.
As such, Chilwell celebrated in style as he ran towards Leicester fans and cupped his ears as a direct response to the reception he had been given. Discussing this moment, Ferdinand has said Leicester fans “deserved” this rubbing of salt in the wounds, and that he is “glad” he did it.
"They boo him," Ferdinand told FIVE. "I watched the game there last year. They got 50-odd million for this kid, a left-back right, out of Covid, and they are booing him.
"But they got more than they probably should have got for him. He done a great job there, and they are booing him for going to Chelsea.
“It doesn’t make sense. So good, I’m glad he done that, give them a bit back, they deserved it. They should respect him."
The relationship between Chilwell and his former employers became even more strained after the pair clashed in the 2021 FA Cup final. This was an incredibly difficult day for the left-back after his late equaliser was ruled out by VAR, cutting his similarly extravagant celebration short and allowing Brendan Rodgers' side to waltz away victorious.
Fast forward nearly two-years and City fans were keen to remind Chilwell of his misfortunes by chanting "Did you cry at Wembley?". This would have made his goal and accompanying celebration even sweeter on Saturday afternoon.
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