Rio Ferdinand Comments On Charlie Patino’s Brave Decision to Leave Arsenal

Charlie Patino, one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects, has reportedly made the decision to leave the club in search of regular first-team football opportunities. The 19-year-old midfielder, who spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Blackpool in the Championship, is said to be eager to secure a permanent move away from the Emirates Stadium.

Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United defender and current football pundit, has heaped praise on Patino’s decision to leave the Gunners, citing the youngster’s technical prowess and bravery as key factors in his success. Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE , Ferdinand said:

“I think he’s a serious player… With the ball, there’s been no doubts whether he’s technically ridiculous.”

Ferdinand went on to commend Patino’s willingness to take control of his own career, adding:

“For young kids, it’s a big point in their career. Sometimes, when a club offers you a deal, it’s not always the best-case scenario to stay and wait and wait and wait… You’ve got to be brave.”

Despite being regarded as one of Arsenal’s most promising prospects, Patino’s chances of breaking into Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans next season are thought to be slim, with the Gunners set to return to the Champions League. As such, Patino is reportedly seeking a permanent move away from north London, having expressed a reluctance to spend another season out on loan

While Patino’s departure will undoubtedly come as a blow to Arsenal fans, Ferdinand believes that the youngster’s success could inspire others to follow in his footsteps, including fellow Gunners prospect Folarin Balogun:

“I think it’s testament to the kid… I think, sometimes especially when you go out on loan, you get that taste of playing men’s football in front of fans and in stadiums, and to think you’re going to back and play [Under-]23s football, sometimes, it’s like, ‘I can’t go back to that’.”