Former Premier League star Rio Ferdinand has slammed the media for criticizing Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League, or SPL.

The former Manchester United defender is of the opinion that Ronaldo’s transfer to the SPL is similar to when the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and a host of other English legends headed to Major League Soccer (MLS towards the end of their respective careers.

The 38-year-old Ronaldo moved to the Arab nation in December 2022 after Manchester United terminated his contract after a mutual agreement.

“The media is shameful. When Rooney, Beckham, Lampard, and Gerrard went to America, they said it was a great way to end their careers, to make a lot of money in a league that isn’t as competitive as they deserved,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with Five.

“This is all I have been reading in the media. But when Cristiano Ronaldo decided to do this, it became a shame and a disaster all because he went to Saudi Arabia.”

“I’m glad he’s finally happy. For any footballer, whatever his level, happiness and being content in the environment in which we play are two of the most important things.”