“I’m actually surprised” – Rio Ferdinand makes feelings clear about Xabi Alonso joining Chelsea

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on Xabi Alonso agreeing to become the next Chelsea manager. The Englishman stated that he’s actually surprised with the decision made by Liverpool cult hero Alonso, who put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the Blues.

Alonso, who made 210 appearances for Liverpool, enjoyed a successful playing career at Anfield. He was part of the Reds’ infamous triumph in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul. Although Alonso left Liverpool in 2009, the Merseyside club always remained close to his heart.

Since making his name as a coach at senior level, Alonso has been linked with a move to become manager at Anfield. Reports were rife since the turn of the year, with Arne Slot struggling at Liverpool and Alonso leaving Real Madrid in January.

However, Chelsea have now confirmed their agreement with Alonso to replace Liam Rosenior as the permanent boss at Stamford Bridge. Speaking of the appointment, Ferdinand admitted that he thought Alonso would be patient enough to wait and see what happens to Slot at Anfield before joining any other club.

He said on ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ (h/t Metro UK):

“I’m actually surprised he’s gone there. I’m not saying he’s the wrong choice.

“The reason I’m surprised he’s gone there is because I thought he would have been patient enough to wait and see how the Arne Slot situation at Liverpool would play out.”

Ferdinand pointed to how Alonso has always remained vocal about his love for Liverpool and believes the Spaniard would have been next in line to replace Slot, if he were to wait it out.

He added:

“Ex-Liverpool player, loved the club, always speaks well about the club, and you just think that was a relationship waiting to happen behind the scenes.

“If he’d just sat tight, the way things are going at the moment, the way things are unfolding at Liverpool, surely he’s next in the queue to get that job.”

Alonso has vowed to make Chelsea compete at the highest level on a consistent basis while also focusing on winning trophies. He will take charge on July 1.

Chelsea must have offered something ‘big’ to convince Alonso: Ferdinand

After admitting that he was left surprised by Alonso’s decision to join Chelsea, Ferdinand also offered his opinion on why the move happened. The former England defender believes that the Blues acted quickly and must have put a substantial offer with big numbers in it to turn Alonso’s head.

However, Ferdinand also refused to rule out the possibility of Alonso thinking he can’t just sit and wait in the hope of Liverpool making an offer when a big club already made their move to sign him up.

Ferdinand added:

“Chelsea have acted quickly, they’ve probably put something in front of him with some big numbers as well that has turned his head and he’s just thought, ‘I’m going to go for it!’.

“Or he’s just thought, ‘Do you know what? I can’t just sit here, hope and wait, and be guessing about what’s going to happen at Liverpool if an opportunity like this is here’… it’s a big club, Chelsea.”

Chelsea, who are 10th in the Premier League table, next face Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.