Rio Ferdinand has saluted Kai Havertz for his silencing his doubters, after turning in his latest starring performance which helped Arsenal retake Premier League top spot.
The German’s big-money move to the Emirates from Chelsea last summer raised eyebrows, especially after an understated start to life in north London.
The 24-year-old has shown commendable powers of recovery of late, recording nine goal contributions in his last seven league games, to put an end to the chatter surrounding his move.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the Premier League with seven games to play and they welcome Bayern Munich to the Emirates in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Ahead of the fixture, Ferdinand picked the forward out for praise and said his ability to turnaround his detractors demands respect.
‘Shout out to Kai Havertz,’ Ferdinand told his FIVE podcast. ‘Some of the fan base that he signed for didn’t even want him, wanted him out.
‘He said “do you know what, you’re going to have him, you’re going to have to respect me.” And he’s doing his thing. Respect to him.’
Havertz’s goal in Arsenal’s impressive 3-0 win over Brighton took his tally in the Premier League to nine – more than he ever managed in a single season with Chelsea.
He has featured in all but one of the Gunners of 31 league games and has also been ever-present during their Champions League campaign.
He recently opened up on his move across London, admitting that it takes him time to settle into a new environment.
‘I’m someone who doesn’t come out of my shell so easily in a new environment, for me it always takes a few weeks or a few months,’ he told Sky Germany.
‘Nowadays, it definitely clicked. I feel extremely comfortable. I love the club, I love the players, the staff and love the fans. So for me it was absolutely the right thing to do and I’m just happy to be here and [to] fight for titles this year.
‘We still have two titles that can be won and now the important weeks of the season begin and I personally, and of course the whole team, will do everything to win titles.’
