Rio Ferdinand speaks to passengers over tannoy on Ryanair flight to Porto

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free journey electronic mail for skilled recommendation and money-saving reductions

Get Simon Calder’s Travel electronic mail

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was captured making some tongue-in-cheek feedback over the airplane tannoy on a Ryanair flight to Porto.

Ferdinand, 45, was flying to Portugal’s second metropolis on 20 February to participate in TNT Sport’s protection of Arsenal’s recreation in opposition to FC Porto within the Champions League.

He occurred to be on the identical flight as loads of travelling Arsenal followers, who started jokingly goading the ex-professional. Ferdinand had lately branded Bukayo Saka, an Arsenal fan-favourite, as not world-class.

Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand mentioned that Saka, 22, “has been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, [it’s] so many games for a young kid.

“Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

Videos uploaded to X – previously often called Twitter – present Ferdinand sitting within the first row reverse members of the cabin crew, with a flight attendant smiling and laughing as Arsenal followers start serenading the previous England worldwide.

The Daily Mail reviews that Arsenal followers started giving renditions of a chant wherein they name Saka “world class”, with Ferdinand deciding to reply over the aircraft’s tannoy.

Ferdinand himself posted a video, exhibiting himself talking as followers jokingly jeer and cheer within the background. The caption learn: “Interesting Ryanair flight with the Arsenal fans this morning.

“Bukayo Saka is top levels… no doubt! And will become ‘World Class’”.

In the video, Ferdinand will be seen leaning over to the tannoy.

“Hello guys, I just want to say it’s been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans,” he mentioned.

“I must say, Saka is a fantastic player, just not world class yet. He will be, but just not yet.”

Arsenal play Porto within the first leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie on 21 February at 8pm. The return recreation will happen in London on 12 March.