Rio Ferdinand makes Man City Champions League prediction & has warning for Premier League rivals

Rio Ferdinand has said he would not be surprised if Manchester City win the Champions League again next season.

The Blues collected Europe’s premier club competition for the first time on Saturday, a triumph that saw them secure a historic treble. But Ferdinand does not think that will be the end of the silverware under Pep Guardiola’s watch and he claimed the players are ‘addicted’ to winning.

The former Manchester United star also said he fears for City’s rivals given the youthful nature of the side. “I think that’s a scary thing for the rest of Europe, not just the Premier League, the relentless appetite that they have now to win,” he told BT Sport, in the aftermath of City’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan in Turkey. “They’ve done it and they’ve got to the top of Mount Everest.

“You become addicted to this and this feeling. It wouldn’t surprise me if they’re here again next year.

“Look at the ages of some of the integral members of this team, like Jack Grealish - good age. Phil Foden, 22, he’s won five Premier Leagues, now a treble. You’ve got Rico Lewis, [John] Stones, they’re all fresh and ready to go again.

Ferdinand also feels the experience of this season in Europe and catching Arsenal in the Premier League, will only make City stronger.

“During the first few months of the season, no-one could foresee this but it’s just a sign of an understanding of where you are. You don’t want to be hitting your top form before Christmas,” said the ex-defender.

“At the turn of the year, after the transfer window, this team just went on a run of consistency that you need to get to these levels. Players got bigger and better: [Ruben] Dias, Stones, they just grew in stature at the business end of the season. [Ilkay] Gundogan getting vital goals. This team just have another experience of what is needed and now it’s dangerous for everyone else.

“They’re racking up numbers we’ve never seen before in the Premier League and it’s transferred now into Europe. They couldn’t get over the bumps and the hurdles in the Champions League before that. What this does to this group of players as a collective, the camaraderie on top of the quality. It’s scary for everyone else.”