Rio Ferdinand has revealed the motivation behind his decision to relocate to Dubai just months after quitting his punditry role at TNT Sports.
The former Manchester United and England defender, 46, announced in May that he was parting ways with the broadcaster at the end of last season to focus on his business interests.
Ferdinand, whose time on TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport) spanned 10 years, has decided to relocate with his family to the United Arab Emirates, despite his 19-year-old son Lorenz signing his first professional contract with Brighton in July.
‘There’s not one reason,’ Ferdinand told The National, opening up on the decision. ‘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.
Rio Ferdinand has revealed why he has decided to relocate to Dubai after quitting TNT Sports
Ferdinand says he saw a different side to Dubai when he visited friends of his wife Kate (above)
The Manchester United legend quite TNT Sports after 10 years with the broadcaster in May
”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.’
The Manchester United legend went on to admit that his children’s education was a key motivation behind the move.
Ferdinand shares four-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae with wife Kate, who is also stepmother to his three teenage children Lorenz, Tate, 17, and Tia, 14, from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
When he announced his decision to leave TNT Sports in May, Ferdinand 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.
The ex-England star revealed lifestyle, safety and weather were key factors behind the move
Ferdinand’s son Lorenz, 19, signed his first professional contract with Brighton last month
‘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.
‘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 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.
‘I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.’
