Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand moved left the UK with his family in the summer
The Ferdinands moved to Dubai earlier this year
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Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has been a household name for decades, having moved into football punditry after his illustrious playing career. The ex-England defender is considered a Premier League legend, winning six league titles before hanging up his boots.
Having transitioned from the pitch to punditry, Ferdinand's life has largely revolved around the football season. However, in May this year, it was announced that Ferdinand would be stepping away from his role as a pundit on TNT Sports before relocating to Dubai.
After being part of the broadcaster's coverage for a decade, he decided to leave to follow his other business interests. His final match for TNT was the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, which saw PSG emerge victorious.
"Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade," the United icon said as he announced the move on social media. "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.
New life in Dubai
Ferdinand has relocated to Dubai alongside his family in a major lifestyle change. The location has become an increasingly attractive haven for British expats, drawn by the sunshine and tax laws.
"There's not one reason," he told The National as he explained why he made the move. "I went for the Global Soccer Awards at Christmas and I hadn't been there properly for about seven or eight years. We spent time with some of Kate's friends who live there and I just saw a different side to it. I also have a business out there, Football Escapes."
He added: "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 - it's just a new life.
"When I made the decision, I thought, 'This must be 30 years when my life has been 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.
Rio Ferdinand, Kate Ferdinand, Nabilla Vergara and Thomas Vergara
Ferdinand and his wife Kate (left centre) are enjoying their new lifestyle in Dubai(Image: Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal/CARBONE)
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"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.
"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."
Ferdinand's wife Kate
Ferdinand's wife, Kate, who he married in 2019, took to social media to share her thoughts on their move to Dubai in August. The former The Only Way is Essex star said: "A new chapter, a fresh start - because if we don't try, we'll never know.
"Ahhh! We've talked about this for so long, and now it's finally real... we're here we are making a new home in the place we met!
"Missing some of our specials already and a bit scared, excited and nervous - but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings."
Ferdinand is a father to three children from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who tragically died from cancer a decade ago. Since tying the knot with Kate, Ferdinand and his new wife welcomed their first child together in 2020.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand arrive at The BRIT Awards 2023
Ferdinand married Kate Wright in 2019(Image: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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Massive net worth and luxury lifestyle.
During his playing days, he reportedly earned £6m annually at United, further contributing to his current wealth. While living in the UK, Ferdinand and his family lived in a lavish £4m mansion complete with a swimming pool, gym and expansive dressing room.
The firne defender is also a keen car fan, with the ex-footballer owning an Aston Martin DBS, valued around £225,000. His collection also includes a Porsche Cayenne, worth over £70,000 and a Bentley Continental GT, priced over £180k.
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