"Ridiculed by Liverpool fans" - Rio Ferdinand defends Raheem Sterling

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has defended Raheem Sterling.

The winger made 129 appearances for Liverpool's first-team before forcing a move to Manchester City back in 2015.

Therefore, a lot of Reds supporters don't have a lot of respect for Sterling. However, Ferdinand has recently defended the 27-year-old.

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, he told Vibe with Five the following: “Questioned by Liverpool fans, ridiculed by Liverpool fans when he made that move.

"Other sections of the football community questioned whether he was good enough, shouldn’t be held in that esteem, shouldn’t be held in that class. The kid does it everywhere, he does it in the Champions League, the Premier League."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Ferdinand is entitled to his opinion. All we will say is that Sterling showed the Anfield faithful no respect when he was looking to leave the club.

The winger was a very good player for Manchester City. Sterling scored 131 goals and registered 94 assists in 337 appearances for the club's first-team.

He also won four Premier League titles with Manchester City. So, you could argue that Sterling's move to the Etihad was justified.

But, the 27-year-old went about it all the wrong way. Sterling has departed Manchester City and joined Chelsea for a transfer fee of £50.58 million this summer.

It will feel strange seeing the former Red represent the Blues. Chelsea are one of Liverpool's biggest rivals after all.

Therefore, Sterling keeps on giving the Anfield crowd ammunition. Only time will tell if the forward is to be a success at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool will face Chelsea away from home on the 18th of September (Premier League clash).