Rio Ferdinand responded to passengers on a flight to Porto after some Arsenal fans on board taunted him about Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal squad set off for Porto on Tuesday, ahead of their Champions League last-16 first leg away to the Portuguese side on Wednesday night.

But they weren’t the only ones, with fans, journalists, and pundits also heading over to the city in anticipation of the match.

That included former Manchester United defender and current TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand, who was spotted on a flight to Porto by some eagle-eyed Arsenal fans.

James McNicholas reported on Twitter that Ferdinand was being serenaded by the Arsenal fans on the plane with chants of “Saka’s world class”, following recent comments by the ex-player.

Ferdinand insisted last week that Bukayo Saka isn’t yet a world-class footballer, saying: “Not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.

“But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages.

“Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

In response to the taunts from Arsenal fans, Ferdinand then took over the loudspeaker system on the plane to make an announcement.

🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/OlB5BfIl7w

— Sam (@Sam_AFC21) February 20, 2024

“Guys, I just want to say it’s been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans,” Ferdinand announced. “I must say, Saka is a fantastic player, just not world class yet.

“He will be one day, but just not yet.”

It seems this debate is going to rage on for a bit longer. Saka will get another chance to prove himself in Wednesday’s match against Porto.