Chelsea star Noni Madueke has responded to intense criticism from pundit Rio Ferdinand, who accused him of disrespecting his teammates during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Also Read: Glenn Hoddle Observes Tension on Chelsea Bench Following Madueke’s Swift Exit During Arsenal Draw
The controversy arose after Madueke headed straight down the tunnel following his substitution in the 68th minute, sparking accusations of unprofessionalism.
Ferdinand’s Harsh Words
Speaking on a podcast, Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender, didn’t hold back in his assessment:
“It’s disrespectful to your teammates. I think the manager protecting him is mad; that’s a two-week fine!”
Madueke’s Clarification
Madueke, however, dismissed the claims, providing a straightforward explanation for his actions.
“I literally went down the tunnel to go to the toilet and I came back 30 seconds later,” Madueke stated. “If you watch a lot of games when I come off, I always go straight down the tunnel to go to the toilet. It’s nothing major at all.”
Madueke’s quick return to the bench after his brief trip added weight to his defense.
Maresca Defends Madueke
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca also weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that Madueke was visibly frustrated with being substituted but downplayed the incident.
“The problem is that when you change a player, they’re never happy,” Maresca explained.
The manager’s remarks emphasized the competitive nature of professional footballers, suggesting Madueke’s reaction was not out of the ordinary.
Madueke’s Season So Far
The 21-year-old winger has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, earning international opportunities with England. Madueke recently shone in England’s 3-0 win over Greece, where he played a key role in creating the opening goal.
When asked about comparisons to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Madueke was quick to dismiss the notion of rivalry:
“I don’t look at Bukayo like competition. I look at him as a teammate who plays for England. I know his quality and try to implement parts of his game into mine.
Madueke added,
“The manager will make his decision. I’m just happy to be part of this team and to start making a difference for England so early in my career.”
What’s Next?
While the incident with Ferdinand’s comments grabbed headlines, Madueke’s focus remains on his football. He continues to contribute positively to Chelsea’s campaign and is carving out a role in England’s national team setup.
For now, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if the young winger can rise above the criticism and let his performances speak louder than any controversy.