Arsenal slammed for released attacking midfielder

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has hit out at Arsenal for releasing Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eze Eberechi as a youngster.

Eberechi started his career at Arsenal but was released from the club at the age of 13.

In 2016, the 25-year-old signed his first professional contract with Queens Park Rangers after short spells at Fulham, Reading and Millwall.

Eberechi flourished in the Championship before signing with Crystal Palace in 2020, where he is now a fan favourite at Selhurst Park.

He also won his first England cap last year.

Speaking alongside Martin Keown before Arsenal’s Premier League 5-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Ferdinand told TNT Sport: “Wow, well played Arsenal! He [Eberechi] has had a unique journey; he has had disappointment in his academy life, been released from clubs but he has found a new pathway and got to this level and is an international player now.”