Cristiano Ronaldo humorously mentioned being cautious in the Manchester United legends’ group chat because of his former teammate Rio Ferdinand, known as “Rio the journalist.” Ferdinand and Ronaldo played together at United from 2003 to 2009, a highly successful period for the club. They transitioned from promising talents to elite players, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Maintaining their bond post-retirement and Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia, the duo, along with other 2008 Champions League-winning squad members, stay connected through a WhatsApp group named ‘Band of Brothers.’ This group, initiated by Ferdinand, serves as a platform for banter, squad critiques, and camaraderie reminiscent of their changing room days.
Ronaldo, now mindful of Ferdinand’s media ventures such as his YouTube channel and podcast, jokingly acknowledged the need for caution in sharing information within the United WhatsApp group. Ferdinand, in a recent interview, shared Ronaldo’s jest about being labeled a journalist and highlighted their ongoing interactions with former and current football stars on his YouTube channel.
The WhatsApp group, which includes players like Dimitar Berbatov, Edwin van der Sar, and Nani, is described as lively and engaging, with former captain Nemanja Vidic opting out due to the high volume of messages. Despite the light-hearted exchanges, the group signifies a cherished bond among the players, akin to a close-knit family, providing moments of laughter and connection among the United legends.