Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has taken aim at former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand after the latter criticised his comments on recent high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia.
Carragher had previously criticised Saudi clubs after the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino were all signed from major European leagues in recent times.
The 45-year-old, who made 737 appearances for the Reds across a 16-year period, even went as far as accusing the nation of 'sports washing' amid confirmation that Wolves star Ruben Neves had joined Al Hilal despite previously voicing his desire to play Champions League football from next season.
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However, Ferdinand appeared, somewhat, offended by the comments of his former international teammate and fellow pundit and took to Twitter himself to respond. He said: "Jamie Carragher, where are you man? I heard a lot of talk, a lot of negativity about Saudi. 'Oh, Bernardo Silva. I can't believe it. It's a disgrace. It needs investigating this league etc'."
"Steven Gerrard's gone, you used to carry his boots and his bag at Anfield to games. Your boy has gone over there and I've not heard a peep out of you. I've not heard how disappointed you are.
"I want him to say 'I can't believe Stevie's gone there.' I'm actually buzzing for any of the guys that have gone out to Saudi. Because it's Saudi, people are going mad. But all of these other countries and leagues over the years have done exactly the same thing."
Carragher then hit back at Ferdinand's comments, clarifying his previous comments while also taking aim at Ferdinand, too, replying on Twitter: "Never criticised Silva, Benzema, Neves or Gerrard, I don’t like Saudi trying to buy football like they have Golf.
"I knew you’d be all over it @rioferdy5 like you were in Qatar! That's why you refused to do the opening game for Match of the Day, [you] didn’t want to criticise your paymaster!"
Saudi clubs have shown no desire to stop their transfer window activity. Liverpool trio Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Mohammed Salah have been linked with moves recently. As Ferdinand alluded to, Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard has also been appointed manager of Al-Ettifaq.
