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Rio Ferdinand to quit TNT Sports immediately after Champions League final

Rio Ferdinand will leave TNT Sports on Saturday after ten years with the broadcaster.

The Manchester United and England legend has announced that the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain will be his last as a TNT Sports pundit.

Ferdinand started working with TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, in 2015

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Ferdinand started working with TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, in 2015Credit: Rex Features

In a statement on his Instagram page, Ferdinand described the decision as 'difficult' and outlined plans to focus on his own media company.

The 46-year-old said: "After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.

“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.

“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success.

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“To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.

“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead.

“Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support.

“They have supported me to travel all over the Europe all over Europe, following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it's been a dream come true.

“As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.

“I'm excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.

Ferdinand's most recent gig for TNT Sports was the Europa League final in Bilbao

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Ferdinand's most recent gig for TNT Sports was the Europa League final in BilbaoCredit: Getty

“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”

Ferdinand has become one of football's most prominent pundits since hanging up his boots in 2015.

He was signed as BT Sport's flagship pundit after the broadcaster acquired Premier League and Champions League rights, before the channel was rebranded to TNT Sports in 2023.

The iconic centre-back has worked as both an analyst and a co-commentator, the decision to leave is thought to be entirely down to him.

It is understood Ferdinand turned down the option of a new TNT Sports contract, which was tabled at the beginning of the 2024/25 season.

Ferdinand was recently forced to miss TNT Sports duties after being hospitalised during a health scare earlier this month.

Ferdinand suffered a health ordeal earlier this month

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Ferdinand suffered a health ordeal earlier this monthCredit: rioferdy5

He returned in full health for the Europa League final on May 21 - which saw his former side Man United beaten 1-0 by Tottenham.

Ferdinand has a number of independent media assets, including his 'Vibe With Five' series and 'Rio Ferdinand Presents' - which has grown to more than 1.3million subscribers on YouTube.

His management company, New Era, recently signed a deal with American talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME).

WME already represent a host of A-list celebrities, including Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Alba and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Their sporting clients also include NBA stars and broadcasters, which could pave the way for Ferdinand to work in the US media.

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