Rio Ferdinand has revealed Gabriel Magalhaes sent him a private message over the football pundit’s criticism of the Arsenal defender.
Gabriel has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League after forming an impressive partnership with William Saliba.
But Ferdinand felt Gabriel was guilty of a ‘few bad decisions’ last term as Arsenal missed out on the top-flight title, with the Gunners finishing as runners-up for the third season in a row under manager Mikel Arteta.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United defender has now explained what was said between the two men.
Following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, Ferdinand said: ‘You know, actually, who I’ve been enjoying watching lately? Gabriel.
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‘He’s so aggressive. So aggressive. I was watching him against Liverpool, and I was thinking… remember when he came back at me in my DMs?
‘Well, what happened, right, he gave away a penalty late on in the season, a few bad decisions, like penalties and stuff.
‘I said that, to become a top defender, he’s got to be less emotional and making them rash decisions in them critical moments in games.
‘The sooner he gets out of his game, he’ll be a better footballer, a better player.
‘And he came back in my DMs, going like, ‘You’ve never played the game if that’s how you’re going on, and I respected you, but the way you’re talking about me, it’s not fair’ – and I understand that.
‘Because I felt like that when pundits spoke about me, but I think as time’s gone on, and I think when I see him again and we chat about it, at some point, I think he’ll go, ‘Do you know what, actually you were probably right at the time, I just didn’t take it the right way’.
‘I watch him now, that’s the only part of his game that’s improved.
‘There’s bits that have improved elsewhere, don’t get me wrong here, but he’s just eradicated silly, rash mistakes, which were holding him back.
‘Experience, time, patience for these guys – that’s what you need to give them. Let them flourish.’
Gabriel has made 213 appearances for Arsenal since joining the north London club in a £27m deal from French club Lille in 2020.
The 27-year-old was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.
Gabriel helped Arsenal clinch the 2023 Community Shield as the Gunners defeated Manchester City on penalties.
The Brazil international has played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s opening three Premier League games so far this term against Manchester United, Leeds United and Liverpool.
