Rio Ferdinand claims players are going to Saudi Arabia for the ‘adventure’

'They're getting the chance to experience something very different, a new culture, a new environment'

Clubs in Saudi Arabia have been the talking point of the summer after some of the biggest names in football completed moves to the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson and Rúben Neves are just a few of the players who have been convinced to make the move in the last eight months but by doing so, have received widespread criticism.

Ferdinand does however sympathises with those going to play in Saudi and defended them from the recent claims.

"Everybody writing these negative stories, if that knock came on their door in that industry or in their life, they're not looking back," he told JOE while being quizzed on some of the biggest transfer discussions throughout the summer.

"It's an adventure, they're getting rewarded financially supremely well, changing their life and earning for future generations of their families.

"They're getting the chance to experience something very different, a new culture, a new environment. The only thing that's different is that it's a place we'd never imagine we'd get to do this.

The former England international compared those going to Saudi Arabia with Lionel Messi's recent move to Inter Miami.

He added: "Look at the difference in Messi going to Miami compared to Cristiano going to Saudi or Benzema or Mahrez and are completely getting torn apart.

"You've got Messi going somewhere else where other people went. David Beckham went to America, Robbie Keane went, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, they've all been to America and that's been applauded. Are we saying America is perfect?

"It would suggest that America is perfect and Saudi Arabia are absolute monsters. I would argue that most countries, or all countries, have performed negative actions at times."

Asked if he would make the move to the Gulf Kingdom if he was still playing, Ferdinand said: "I'd be there, I'd be in Saudi right now. I'd say if you need me to swim there, I'll swim!"

Watch the full video of the interview with Rio Ferdinand here:

Related links:

• Rio Ferdinand: ‘Harry Maguire needs a new challenge’
• Saudi Pro League reveal transfer plans after big-spending summer
• Al Etiffaq colour out LGBT armband in Jordan Henderson announcement video