The former Manchester United defender was in hysterics (Picture: YouTube / Vibe with FIVE)
Rio Ferdinand has ripped into Arsenal over Thomas Partey’s continued absence from the team and mocked fans who want to cash in on the Ghanaian in the January window.
The 30-year-old was a key part of Mikel Arteta’s starting XI last season but has made just four Premier League appearances this season, with a string of injuries curtailing his involvement.
A groin injury ruled him out for the month of September and then after a brief return to action he pulled his hamstring and is not expected to be back again until the new year.
When he does eventually return, he will be flung straight into action with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations – which runs from January 13 to February 11.
There have been suggestions Partey could be offloaded in January, with interest from Saudi Arabia, but Ferdinand believes he is still a top player – even if he hasn’t been able to show it this season.
Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said: ‘Thomas Partey is irreplaceable by the way [according to Arsenal fans] but he ain’t been seen this season! Not even mentioned on the show.
‘What’s happened to Thomas Partey?! Where is Thomas? Someone free Thomas Partey. Please, I need to see him again man.’
Partey has played 15 minutes in the league since August (Picture: Getty)
When it was suggested that the Gunners should offload Partey, Ferdinand replied: ‘He was the best defensive midfielder in the world last season [according to Arsenal fans] and now he needs to go?!
‘What do you mean he needs to go? Ah mate, seriously, I’ve had enough. He needs to go! You said at the beginning of the season, “Partey best defensive midfielder in the land, has to play there, and Rice will go on the left”.
‘That’s what you said, you chucked your £100million player out on the left! Thomas, I want you to stay, bro. I respect you. I respect his game.’
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Ferdinand was clearly feeling in a particularly playful mood when it came to discussing Premier League leaders Arsenal.
As well as mocking the Partey situation, he also poured cold water on Mikel Arteta’s latest record – having picked up more wins than any previous Gunners boss across his first 200 games in charge – as well as Kai Havertz’s match-winning goal off the bench against Brentford.
On Arteta’s record, he said: ‘But how many trophies did Wenger win in his first 200 games compared to [Arteta]? So that stat really means nothing, doesn’t it?’
And on Havertz, he added: ‘He had a 10-minute cameo! Did he get man of the match? Declan Rice was man of the match in that game.’
MORE : Arsenal forwards have been ‘average’ this season, says Jamie Carragher
MORE : Rio Ferdinand claims Sofyan Amrabat has lost his place to Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United
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The former Manchester United defender was in hysterics.