Just a few minutes after announcing his decision to become a boxer, Rio Ferdinand is already having to dodge some cheap shots.
Ferdinand announced on Tuesday that he is to take the first steps to become a professional boxer , two years after he ended his football career.
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And although the ex-England defender has received some praise and support for trying out a new sport, Neville could not help but take a swipe at the 38-year-old, suggesting he'll need a few of his former Manchester United team-mates to protect him in the ring.
It's happening... Can’t wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, @richiewoodhall and @meldeane #DefenderToContender pic.twitter.com/s6AmLRo7DN
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 19, 2017
"Hey [Rio] when you're boxing does [Nemanja] Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me?" he asked on Twitter.
The former England star was not the only one to poke fun, though, as Robbie Savage chimed in, suggesting his fighting technique may not be up to standard.
"Hope your boxing is better than it was last time, never landed one on me in tunnel but took a few lefts," he tweeted.
Hey @rioferdy5 when you're boxing does Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me?
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 19, 2017
@rioferdy5 , hope your boxing is better than it was last time , never landed one on me in tunnel but took a few lefts
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) September 19, 2017
Don't understand the problem with Rio Ferdinand trying another sport.
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) September 19, 2017
It's Jordan Henderson I feel for, he's been trying football for years
Rio Ferdinand is thinking of taking up boxing. What provokes a man who sits in a studio with Owen and Savage into wanting to punch someone?
— Rob Summerfield (@RobSummerfield1) September 18, 2017
If Charlie Adam can spend years pretending to be a footballer, there's no reason Rio Ferdinand can't attempt a boxing career.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) September 19, 2017
I personally can't wait to see Rio Ferdinand punched straight in the dish
— Kris. (@karcher_nufc) September 19, 2017
After hearing the @rioferdy5 news @HitmanHatton will partner Jesus up front for city at the weekend....
— Paul Cox (@pcox970) September 19, 2017
Rooney vs Vidic Under Card pic.twitter.com/Vlo59Na9H1
— BliTz (@BliTzPlaysYT) September 19, 2017
Rio Ferdinand wants to become a professional boxer at 38.
— Football Whispers (@FB_WHISPERS) September 19, 2017
Do we think he'll have a better, or worse career than this guy? @rioferdy5 pic.twitter.com/QrDUqz2YpZ
