Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand caused a stir on Twitter with a short video in which he suggests that he was responsible for removing a Sergio Aguero mural off a wall in Manchester.Ferdinand said that he was annoyed by the sight of a rival team’s artwork on a building he walks by regularly, so he made a few calls to get rid of the two-story-high picture of City’s record goalscorer.The news of the mural being partially removed broke last week to the dismay of Premier League champions’ supporters. But they are now fuming even more because of the suggestion that it was Ferdinand who made sure Aguero was really out of the city.After seeing this last week near the FIVE studio… I made a few calls in Manchester 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/o0ej7CJEO9— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 28, 2021 Of course, the retired defender has no say of what’s allowed on walls and what’s not, and this was merely a way for the long-serving England stopper to poke fun and further aggravate the sky blues. And was it a success? You bet it was! The number of comments from both sets of fans proved how intense the rivalry between these two clubs was.Ferdinand is actually a fan of Aguero – as much as a Manchester United player can be a fan of a Manchester City’s goalscorer. So when Aguero announced his departure from England, Ferdinand paid a heartfelt tribute to the Argentine.”Agueroooooooooooo! This name, this goal, this moment still hits me at times when I least expect it like a bolt out the blue! Our closest rivals just across the city, snatching the title from out of our hands. Absolutely devastated… a whole season demolished in the final seconds of the last game. But what I will say is that as much as I hated the outcome, I never hated or disliked Sergio for his moment. I think how humble and chilled he seems plays a big part but as much, or more, is how much I respect him as a footballer. He is one of the hardest strikers I have ever marked. Rivalries put to one side for a moment, Sergio Aguero is one of the best PL strikers of all time. He snatched the Premier League trophy from under my nose but respect when respect is due! Good luck for the future.”respectful rivalry: Rio Ferdinand and Sergio Aguero (©Gallo Images)The work was a reflection of a key goal scored by Aguero in the season finale in 2012. In his first season with Manchester City, he scored one of the most iconic goals in history. He was the one who allowed the Citizens to become champions after 44 years. As if that were not enough, that goal also ruined the party for the eternal rival, Manchester United, who would have pipped City to the title had Aguero not scored that dramatic winner. The former Independiente and Atletico Madrid found his way into City supporters’ hearts forever.It was nice while it lasted… (©Gallo Images)In addition to the painting, the mural also had an emotional message to the Argentine: “This will always be your City”. Aguero himself stopped by and signed it. The place was supposed to be a place of worship for the Citizens, but the city council decided to take it down – likely because the painting was a constant target for envious United fans. Ferdinand saw his chance to step on a few toes and he’s taken it with a smile.There’s never a quiet day in Manchester.
