Rio Ferdinand has said that the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool can never mention the word ‘loyalty’ again to any players, after their role in the Super League, in an interview on Five’s Youtube channel.
Arsenal and Liverpool both turned their backs on the Premier League in an attempt to join a breakaway competition.
The two clubs quickly withdrew from the tournament, after fierce backlash from their supporters.
But by that time the damage was done, with both Arsenal and Liverpool owners now facing huge calls for them to sell their respective clubs.
And Ferdinand feels that Liverpool’s and Arsenal’s actions have just gone on to prove how little loyalty remains in football now, as they turned their back on their league to try and earn more money.
“This is the same thing, when people used to say to me about loyalty in the game and when people used to moan at players about loyalty,” Ferdinand said.
“There isn’t loyalty in this game any more, it’s gone. All this talk about he’s got to be loyal and be a one club man, that’s great. If you can do it you’re lucky.
“You aren’t going to see that much any more because loyalty doesn’t exist in this game any more.
“These six clubs, can never go to a fan or a player and mention the word loyalty ever again. Ever.”
Liverpool and Arsenal may well have to ask for loyalty from their players this summer, as the pair may not have Champions League football on offer.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are battling to claim a top four spot, while Arsenal’s only route into Europe’s top competition will be through winning the Europa League.
If either of them fail on their objective, then their top players’ futures may come in to question.
But, as Ferdinand said, demanding loyalty from them will be tough – given the short-term thinking both teams have shown in recent weeks.
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