Rio Ferdinand insists he wants to see Newcastle United 'do well' despite previously attracting criticism from the Magpies fanbase for his controversial comments about the club.
The former Leeds United and Manchester United defender has not proven to be the most popular pundit with the Toon Army since his comments on BT Sport in January 2019. Ferdinand claimed Newcastle supporters should 'thank' Ashley for spending his own money to secure promotion to the Premier League two years' prior, while also claiming the fans were 'lucky' to have the Fraser Group magnate at the helm.
Ofcom received six complaints over the broadcast which saw the former centre-back label Newcastle a 'yo-yo club' while also quoting inaccurate financial figures. However, the regulator declined to pursue the complaints.
Ferdinand received heavy criticism once again in March 2021, calling on disgruntled Geordies to 'round your money up and take over the club' if they were so frustrated by Ashley. The pundit insisted the blame for Newcastle's struggles in recent years should be pointed at the academy rather than the owner, questioning why more homegrown talent had not made it into the first team.
Given this chequered record with the Magpies fanbase, it will likely surprise many supporters to hear Ferdinand now claim he wants to see the club 'do well'. Discussing the relegation battle on his Vibe with Five Youtube channel, the 43-year-old believes the takeover at St James' Park can only add to the strength of the Premier League.
Ferdinand said: "I want to see them do well, the more competition adds to it. We always moan about other leagues, and we say that's why our league is the best league because of competition.
"Any team on any given day can beat anyone. The more teams with resources, the more teams with quality in them, the better [it is] for the league surely?
"You can't think of it selfishly just for Man United. You look at La Liga...two or three teams that can win the league, that's it.
"Bayern Munich are the only team that can win the league in Germany, PSG the only team that can win the league in France. That's why this league is the best."
Newcastle's latest victory at Brentford has lifted Eddie Howe's side into 14th, having extended their top-flight unbeaten run to seven matches. Ferdinand went on to say 'momentum is key', and believes Burnley will also pull themselves with clear of danger with either the Bees or Leeds dropping into the relegation zone.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
