Ferdinand couldn’t help but admire Diego Simeone’s character as Atletico Madrid crashed out of the Champions League.

El Cholo was a magnet for criticism following the defeat to RB Leipzig in Lisbon, but Ferdinand was in awe of him on the touchline.

“He’s a lunatic,” joked the former Manchester United defender on BT Sport.

“You can watch him on his own; he’s like a soap opera on his own.

“You can stand there and watch him and he will talk you through the emotions just by watching him.

“He is such a huge competitor, a bit like when he played, but his team reflects his personality and that is the sign of a fantastic manager.”