Rio Ferdinand has left TNT Sports following more than a decade with the broadcaster.
The former England and Manchester United captain, who had already been tipped to quit at the end of the season, was described as having an "amicable" departure from TNT Sports.
The 46-year-old, who was said to have been the driving force behind the split, has a growing portfolio of business interests and a young family.
His management company New Era also recently signed a partnership with Beverly Hills-based talent agency giants WME.
Ferdinand was offered a new contract by TNT some months ago, but it went unsigned, much to the dismay of bosses.
Statement: After ten incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from @tntsports after the Champions League Final…. pic.twitter.com/71A9EJPBye
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 28, 2025
However, despite his split, the door remains open to rejoining, and he may return for certain elements of coverage next season.
In a statement released today, Ferdinand said: "After ten incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT sports after the Champions League final.
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"Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sport 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.
"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."
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Rio Ferdinand's work with TNT will end this week
Reuters
He is reportedly planning to move to Dubai with his wife Kate Ferdinand and their children.
According to the Sun, Ferdinand and Kate are "seriously considering" relocating with their children and have already started looking at properties and schools.
The couple would be based in the Gulf and travel back to the UK for work, giving the ex-Manchester United star the opportunity to boost his business portfolio abroad.
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A new deal was offered but Rio Ferdinand decided against signing it
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A source told the publication: "Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms.
"They love the lifestyle and sunny weather and have lots of friends out there. It's a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.
"It holds a special place in their hearts as that's where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK."
Rio Ferdinand's last punditry work for TNT Sports will be this Saturday's Champions League final game between PSG and Inter Milan.
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