Ferdinand: Cristiano had a unique kind of starpower at the gala

Rio Ferdinand insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo has a unique kind of starpower after seeing his former Man United teammate at the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou.

The event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia contained one of the most star-studded guest lists ever seen for a boxing match, with the likes of Kanye West, Ronaldo Nazario and Eminem joining a host of combat sports legends in attendance.

Ferdinand insisted he was 'living the dream' getting to spend time with some of the sport's greats.

'I was living the dream. I grew up watching Mike Tyson - he was there. Larry Holmes, Floyd Mayweather. There were so many people I could go on and on.' Ferdinand said.

'Prince Naseem, I haven't seen him for years and we had a little chin wag. You're never going to get that level of superstars under one roof.'

After hanging up his boots and retiring from football in 2015 Ferdinand briefly embarked on pursuing his own career inside the ring, announcing in 2017 that he intended on making his professional debut as a heavyweight.

Ultimately though Ferdinand would be denied a license to fight by the British Boxing Board of Control.

However, despite stating his admiration for the stars of the squared circle, Ferdinand revealed that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is on a different level of fame.

'You're sitting there and you're seeing all these huge names but as soon as he comes in the building the place lights up and everyone's on the back foot.

'You see that there are stars and legends and superstars and then there's this guy.'

Ferdinand arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2002, and started in the famous pre-season friendly the following year that led to Sir Alex Ferguson discovering the teenager winger's prodigious talent.

Ronaldo arrived at United