it's not like Ricki bringing him into the team was out of the goodness of his own heart too. He bought him in to do a job, which would help make his job as manager of the Phoenix easier. It was a mutually beneficial decision, and certainly doesn't mean they have to be best friends for life as a result.
Much in the same way as you don't have to only ever say nice things for the rest of your life about your manager at work, if they hired you.
Yes, but if you go and slag your ex manager off in front if a few hundred thousand people or even just him, then be prepared to be called out for what you are. Especially if you are trying to sell something
Not saying you need to say nice things. Just show a touch of class and appreciate who gave you a chance, coached you when you actually did really good things, helped make you become a pro, took you to a World Cup and make the Phoenix bloody popular.
Ask yourself where would Siggy be if Ricki hadn't signed him. Playing number 8 for a shark team in Christchurch, drinking piss after the match?