Rio Ferdinand Reveals Arsenal Star Sent Him Private Message Over Criticism

Rio Ferdinand reveals Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães sent him a private message after criticism, sparking praise for his growth.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhães privately messaged him in response to criticism about his performances. The exchange highlights how professional footballers are increasingly engaging directly with pundits over public commentary.

During a previous episode of his podcast, Ferdinand criticized Gabriel for making “rash decisions” on the pitch. He pointed to moments where the defender’s emotional reactions led to costly mistakes for Arsenal, including a late-season penalty incident.

Ferdinand said Gabriel needed to improve his composure to reach the next level in his career.

Gabriel’s Direct Response

In a surprising move, Gabriel messaged Ferdinand directly on social media. According to Ferdinand, the message read:

“You’ve never played the game if that’s how you’re going on, and I respected you, but the way you’re talking about me, it’s not fair.”

Ferdinand acknowledged the message and said he respected Gabriel for reaching out personally. He also noted that he had experienced similar frustrations with pundits during his own playing career.

Praise for Gabriel’s Improvement

Despite the earlier criticism, Ferdinand has since praised Gabriel’s development. He highlighted the defender’s performance in Arsenal’s recent match against Liverpool, saying:

“He’s just eradicated silly, rash mistakes, which were holding him back. Experience, time, patience for these guys – that’s what you need to give them.”

Gabriel has become a key figure in Arsenal’s defense, forming a strong partnership with William Saliba. His consistent performances have earned him recognition, including selections in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.

Ferdinand concluded by expressing admiration for Gabriel’s maturity and willingness to communicate directly. He believes that their future conversations will reflect mutual respect and understanding.

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