image via - @rioferdy5/ X

‘Bukayo Saka Is 100% World Class’ – Rio Ferdinand Switches Comments After Receiving Backlash on Criticism of the Arsenal Winger

Rio Ferfinand Humorously Wrote Back to Arsenal Fans On Social Media.

image via - @rioferdy5/ X

Arsenal’s Champions League second-leg tie with Real Madrid started with full throttle as the English side was awarded a penalty early into the game. After Raul Asensio pulled Mikel Merino in the box, Mikel Arteta’s side was awarded an early opportunity to register a fourth goal against Real Madrid.

Things went heavy for Bukayo Saka who stepped up for the penalty. Missing the penalty in what was a brave or cheeky effort, Arsenal’s chance went begging at the end of the 22-year-old.

Bukayo Saka has now missed a penalty in:

❌ The EUROs final
❌ The title race run-in
❌ The UCL quarter-final pic.twitter.com/x3mBVnqFBY
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 16, 2025

Reflecting on Saka’s decision, former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand questioned the Arsenal man’s decision heavily. Addressing the stage was too high, Ferdinand commented on Saka’s penalty by saying:

‘Wow. What a moment to play the cheeky role. Before the game, you talk about silencing this place, silencing this crowd, what an opportunity to do that.’

Saka who returned from injury earlier this month had a chance to redeem himself in the second half. Taking his opportunity with confidence, Saka tried the cheeky finish on Courtoius as he put Arsenal one ahead in the second leg.

Arsenal managed to win the contest 5-1 on aggregate as they cruised to the final four of the Champions League. Addressing the game in the second half, Ferdinand spoke about Saka again calling him a world-class player. Reflecting on the youngster’s performance, Ferdinand told TNT Sports full-time:

“Bukayo Saka in terms of defining them was decisive. Saka is a 100% world-class player. He will decide matches for the rest of his career at the highest level with some great players”

Rio Ferdinand might be the most unbearable individual on the planet.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) April 16, 2025

Rio Ferdinand “I think this stop start game is suiting Arsenal more”

Ye think mate?

They’re holding onto a 3-0 lead here! I don’t think he’s ever said something and I’ve gone oh yeah what a great bit of insight I never knew that!
— George Scaife (@Scaife51) April 16, 2025

After questioning Saka’s decision, Ferdinand received backlash from the Arsenal fans. Retweeting his full-time interview about giving Saka his credit, Ferdinand humorously captioned the post: “There you go Arsenal fan. You can stop tweeting me about it now. I have always loved Bukayo, been his biggest fan in an England shirt also.” It is safe to say Saka took his credit home after a questionable first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Saka World Class 🤝🏽
Dec best midfielder on the pitch 👊🏽
Lewis-Skelly ID needs checking 🔞

Congratulations @Arsenal
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 16, 2025

ALSO READ: Champions League Quarter-Final: Teams for Semi-Finals Decided, Who’s Playing Who and When?

Even though the mountain ahead gets steeper, the London club will take the glory night from Madrid home today. Saka now has seven goal contributions in the Champions League as he tries to get back on his pace.

Arsenal will go to their first semifinals since 2008/09 as Arteta’s side will face PSG next. After a couple of building seasons, the Spanish manager seems to have achieved a contending squad on the highest levels.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

Champions League

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!