Former England footballer Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing critique of Britain's taxation system, questioning the destination of public funds whilst essential services deteriorate.
The Manchester United legend, who relocated to Dubai with wife Kate and their five children this summer, expressed frustration about taxpayer money failing to support crumbling infrastructure.
"If things like the health service, for example, was absolutely flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn't mind paying tax," Ferdinand stated on LBC Radio.
"But when there's things that are falling apart and going wrong in the country, then I sit there and go, we pay towards tax and is it really going towards the things that are actually benefiting the people that live here?"
Rio Ferdinand has hit out at the taxation system in Britain
|PA
The 46-year-old's departure coincided with Chancellor Rachel Reeves's autumn Budget, which introduced £40 billion in tax increases aimed at corporations and affluent households.
The measures encompassed higher capital gains tax rates, increased inheritance tax obligations, and the introduction of VAT charges on independent school fees.
Ferdinand's relocation occurred in August, shortly before these fiscal changes were formally announced.
The former defender, who celebrates his 47th birthday on Friday, had been contemplating the move since visiting Dubai during the Global Soccer Awards at Christmas.
Whilst the tax implications weren't explicitly cited as his primary motivation, the timing has prompted speculation about wealthy individuals reassessing their UK residency status.
Rio Ferdinand ditched the UK to move to Dubai earlier this year
|Ferdinand emphasised that family considerations drove his decision to establish a new life in the Emirates.
"My family are seeing me so much more and I'm spending some quality time with them and I think that's just been a great thing for me," he explained to LBC.
The educational system proved particularly attractive for his children, including four-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae.
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Ferdinand noted the English curriculum delivered through different methods appealed to him, alongside concerns about British teachers being "undervalued, underpaid."
Despite embracing this fresh start, Ferdinand maintained his allegiance to Britain.
"I love England and I'm a patriotic guy in that sense, but a new journey, a new chapter, something different, I think is a refreshing new chapter in my life."
Ferdinand's critique extended beyond taxation to governmental duties regarding disadvantaged youth.
Rio Ferdinand blamed UK's tax system, admitting he would not mind paying tax if things were going well
|LBC
Speaking from Munich's One Young World Summit, he suggested his Rio Ferdinand Foundation fulfils responsibilities that should rest with government.
The foundation, operating for over a decade, assists young people who've left education or face disadvantage.
Ferdinand believes Westminster should prioritise engaging youth with emerging industries, particularly technology sectors.
"That's the job of my foundation to really highlight those opportunities and highlight the workplaces that are available and then the pathway to get towards that through education," he stated.
"We're doing the job that the government should be doing."
When questioned about leadership lessons from football managers Alex Ferguson and Gareth Southgate, Ferdinand emphasised understanding ordinary citizens' struggles as essential for effective governance.