Rio Ferdinand Claims Arsenal Player Sent Him Private Message Over Criticism

Rio Ferdinand has revealed what Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes said to him in a private message after the former Manchester United defender criticised a part of his game.

Gabriel was one of Arsenal's standout performers last season as they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title.

In fact, for the second year in a row, the Brazilian defender was named in the PFA Team of the Year in August alongside Declan Rice and his ever-reliable centre-back partner, William Saliba.

Since joining from French side Lille in 2020, the 27-year-old has become a crucial member of Mikel Arteta's side and is arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet.

However, the defender has been guilty in the past of making "a few bad decisions", according to Ferdinand, who has previously revealed that Gabriel messaged him after he criticised his performances.

Gabriel was named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside William Saliba and Declan Rice. Image credit: Getty

Now, Ferdinand believes he has taken his advice on board. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England international gave an insight into his back and forth with Gabriel.

"You know, actually, who I’ve been enjoying watching lately? Gabriel," said Ferdinand following Liverpool's 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

"He’s so aggressive. So aggressive. I was watching him against Liverpool, and I was thinking… remember when he came back at me in my DMs? Well, what happened, right, he gave away a penalty late on in the season, a few bad decisions, like penalties and stuff.

"I said that, to become a top defender, he’s got to be less emotional and making them rash decisions in them critical moments in games. The sooner he gets out of his game, he’ll be a better footballer, a better player.

"And he came back in my DMs, going like, ‘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 continued: "I understand that, because I felt like that when pundits spoke about me, but I think as time’s gone on, and I think when I see him again and we chat about it, at some point, I think he’ll go, ‘Do you know what, actually you were probably right at the time, I just didn’t take it the right way’.

"I watch him now, that’s the only part of his game that’s improved. There’s bits that have improved elsewhere, don’t get me wrong here, but 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. Let them flourish."