Rio Ferdinand delivers a Ryanair in-flight announcement to Arsenal fans

Rio Ferdinand jokingly hit back at Arsenal fans who spotted him on board a flight to Porto on Tuesday as he made a tannoy announcement after they goaded him over his comments about Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners faithful were left fuming last week when Ferdinand discussed Saka's progress and said he hadn't quite hit top gear in his career - despite his incredible season under Mikel Arteta.

Saka has 15 goals and 11 assists and is playing a crucial part in leading the club's title charge this term, with many agreeing he has been of the best players in the Premier League this season.

But Ferdinand raised eyebrows with his claim that Saka was 'not world class yet' after hitting a brace in Arsenal's 6-0 win at West Ham this month.

And after a handful of Arsenal supporters noticed Ferdinand was on the budget airline's flight to Portugal - sat in the front row in priority seating - they couldn't help but tease him with a rousing rendition of the 'Saka's world class' chant.

Footage shows the fans in full voice as they poked fun at Ferdinand before zooming in on him in the front row talking to a steward.

The ex-Man United defender then later chose to confront the fans as he gave a tongue-in-cheek response on the plane's tannoy system.

'Hello guys I just want to say it's been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans.'

The supporters sat in the back seats then cheered as he continued: 'I must say, Saka is a fantastic player, just not world class yet.

'He will be one day, but just not yet.'

Ferdinand posted a video of the encounter on his own Twitter page, writing: 'Interesting @Ryanair flight with the Arsenal fans this morning...

'@Bukayo Saka is top levels... no doubt! And will become "world class".'

Speaking on Vibe with FIVE last