27 February 2024 , 09:23
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Ian Wright says he is "very disappointed" with Rio Ferdinand after he claimed Bukayo Saka is "not yet" world class, claiming the winger has a right to feel "p***ed off" about his comments.
Ferdinand sparked debate earlier this month when asked if Saka was world class, insisting: "Not yet. Listen, I think Saka's been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.
"But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn't done it in the Champions League, has he? I'm talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka's top, don't get me wrong. He's not world-class yet."
Saka was even asked to weigh in on the debate himself after scoring in Arsenal's 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday, with TNT Sports asking him if his goal was "world class". He replied: "No comment.
"I am happy with another goal today and more importantly happy to win. I am working hard every day and giving my best. Obviously, I have great teammates giving me good passes which helps as well."
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And Wright has now given his thoughts on Ferdinand's comments, branding them "not needed". Speaking on his Wrighty's House podcast, the former Arsenal striker said: "You know the whole thing about it, I know Rio said it, it feels very clickbait-y, very banal kind of conversation.
"It's so subjective. It's just one of those that it's just about clicks in saying something like that because I can't imagine what Bukayo would have gone through because let me tell you something for a fact that will happen: he will have seen it, he will have heard it and they will have had to deal with it.
Ferdinand claimed earlier this month that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was not world class (PA)"If I'm him, I'm probably a little bit p***ed off about that. And I'd probably be a bit p***ed off with Rio about it for bringing it up like it is because it's the narrative of everything, especially when you listen to TNT.
"And so, it's something now, I'd be very interested to see his relationship going on with Rio, who for me, let's face it, one of the most decorated players, to come with that kind of conversation does not help. It doesn't help at all. In that particular situation, I was very disappointed with that because it's not needed."
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