Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to move away from England after the shock decision to quit his role as a pundit and co-commentator for TNT Sports this summer. The Manchester United legend has become a familiar face and voice on the broadcaster's programming, but decided to walk away at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Despite his eldest son, Lorenz, 19, signing his first professional contract with Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, Ferdinand has decided to relocate to the United Arab Emirates. Citing his desire to focus on alternative business interests as his reason for ending a 10-year stay with TNT Sports (formerly BT Sports), the 46-year-old has now given the reasons behind his move away from the UK.
Rio Ferdinand on Decision to Leave England Behind
rio ferdinand man utd
Speaking to The National, the defender-turned-pundit went into detail about why he is leaving England. Ferdinand told the publication: "There’s not one reason. I went for the Global Soccer Awards at Christmas, and I hadn't been there properly for about seven or eight years. I used to go there all the time before.
"We spent time with a couple of (partner) Kate's friends who lived there and I just saw a different side to it. I also have a business out there, Football Escapes.
"In Dubai, it feels like they're valued and the lifestyle means that they're happy and vibrant with a good energy for the kids. Lifestyle, safety, weather and just a new life."
Expanding on his choice to stop football from 'governing' his life, Ferdinand continued: "I wanted a new chapter, and I've been doing TNT (TV) since I retired for the last 10-11 years. When I made the decision, I thought, ‘this must be 30 years when my life is driven by the fixture list.' Not now. I'm not leaving football, but it's just not the governing body of my life now. I've got to be honest, it feels nice."
Another huge inspiration for the 'new life' Ferdinand and his family are set to embark on was the education system. The former Premier League centre-back has two young children with his current wife, Kate, and three teenagers from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison.
Ferdinand explained the benefits of the education system for his kids: "I thought about moving, then we went back again in February for a little look at the schools just in case, and it just pricked my mind to think about it.
"That was almost like a big kicker for me because the education system felt different, felt better for my kids. The children who are coming are 14, which is perfect because it's their two years of GCSEs starting this August.
"Then we’ve got a four and a two-year-old, so it's perfect timing for them as well. And the curriculum is English curriculum, but it's just done a different way. I feel the teachers in the UK feel a little bit like undervalued, underpaid."