Arsenal hero Theo Walcott disagrees with Rio Ferdinand over the Manchester United legend’s claim that Bukayo Saka is not a world-class player.
Ferdinand recently upset Arsenal supporters with his comments about the 22-year-old winger on his VIBE with FIVE podcast.
The former defender argued that Saka cannot be considered world class because has not proven himself in the ‘nitty-gritty stages’ of the Champions League.
Ferdinand doubled down on his claim after being trolled by Arsenal fans on a flight to Porto earlier this month.
Walcott, who made 397 appearances for Arsenal between 2006 and 2018, has now offered his response to Ferdinand.
‘Yeah, I mean, people are entitled to their opinion,’ Walcott said at the London Football Awards on Thursday.
‘I get it. For me, he is. His numbers are showing that and his consistency as well in the best league in the world. Phil Foden is world class as well, all of these guys. But Saka is world class in my opinion. My son loves him.’
Meanwhile, Walcott is backing his old club to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals despite losing 1-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie to Porto.
‘Going into the Porto game, I am not really that concerned to be honest,’ Walcott added. ‘The whole Emirates environment – the fans, the support – is so important and so key right now.
‘It’s going to help in the Premier League as well. I think it will go all the way, I really do. The Emirates support is really helping this Arsenal team right now.’
MORE : Conor Gallagher makes decision over Chelsea future amid Tottenham transfer interest
MORE : Napoli ‘cannot stop’ Victor Osimhen leaving this summer, says club president Aurelio De Laurentiis
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
