Rio Ferdinand had a dig at Arsenal by claiming that Manchester United’s fanbase ‘in one country’ is more than what the Gunners have worldwide, as he told Vibe with Five.
The Old Trafford legend then joked that Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League table by seven points, are ‘one of the biggest teams in north London, that’s it’.
It has been nearly two decades since Arsenal tasted Premier League glory and they will be hoping all of that changes under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta this season.
For years and years, including the dark days of the legendary Arsene Wenger, those donning Arsenal colours had to watch woeful defensive performances, inability to win the so-called bigger games, collapses, lack of identity, lack of toughness, a disjointed fanbase and questionable transfers coming through their doors.
But all of that is now changing, and if they do become champions of England again, then those Gooners across the world will roar louder than ever before.
Nonetheless, when discussing the five biggest clubs in the world, unsurprisingly, Ferdinand put Manchester United top, he didn’t have Arsenal in his top five, before talk turned to one another’s fanbases.
“Our fanbase in one country is more than what your worldwide fanbase is at Arsenal,” said Ferdinand. “So, don’t start talking to me.
“You are one of the biggest teams in north London, that’s it.”
ARSENAL ONE OF THE BIGGEST CLUBS IN THE WORLD
Whilst certain clubs have had a stupid amount of money thrown at them and, as a result, they now have several trophies in their cabinet.
Arsenal are the third richest club – in terms of success and trophies – in English football history, yes, that’s including before 1992, which the likes of Sky Sports don’t want to look at.
They have 13 titles to their name – only behind Liverpool and Manchester United – and they believe more than ever before that this could be number 14.
One thing is for sure, those fans believe, and whilst there has previously been discontent and a split fanbase, that’s no longer the case.
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