Rio Ferdinand potential career moves after leaving TNT Sports as Man Utd legend looks to ‘next chapter'
RIO FERDINAND is officially a free agent having left his role at TNT Sports.
The former
Manchester
United and
DECADE
.
Advertisement
6
Rio Ferdinand has left his role at TNT Sports
Credit: ALAMY
6
The former Manchester United and England star has revealed his next move
Credit: GETTY
But the 46-year-old has decided to move on to pastures new by not renewing his contract.
An emotional social media post read: "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.
'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.
Advertisement
READ MORE ON RIO FERDINAND
'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 Europe, following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it's been a dream come true.
Advertisement
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
6
Rio Ferdinand is looking forward to the 'next chapter' of his life
Credit: ALAMY
'As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories."
Ferdinand will have plenty of time on his hands now that he's no longer bound to TNT Sport's hectic schedule.
Advertisement
Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville's takes on Man Utd vs Man City
The pundit plans to spend his free time with his family, as well as focusing on his podcast and other "interests".
So what will Rio be up to now..?
Full-time podcasting
Despite being incredibly busy with TNT for the last decade, Ferdinand has managed to cultivate a massive podcast.
His 'Rio Ferdinand Presents' podcast, which was previously called 'Vibe with Five', has over
1.3 MILLION
subscribers on
YouTube
and thousands of listeners on
Apple
and
Spotify
.
Advertisement
The podcasting world is an extremely lucrative one, so Ferdinand would be foolish not to use his massive platform and standing in the game to cash in on a potential post-career goldmine.
6
The Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast has over 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube
Credit: RIO FERDINAND PRESENTS
Punditry
Although Ferdinand plans to focus on his other interests, an immediate move to one of TNT's rivals isn't off the cards.
Sky
Sports have just freed up a boatload of cash by
Advertisement
And it could be used to finance a potential swoop for Ferdinand, who would draw huge numbers along with former
England
team-mates Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
A move to the BBC could also be on the cards following Gary Lineker's departure from Match of the Day.
Ferdinand is no stranger to a bit of Beeb punditry having worked for the national broadcaster during multiple international tournaments, including
Euro 2024
.
6
Rio Ferdinand was part of the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024
Credit: BBC
Advertisement
Charity work
Ferdinand could use his downtime to focus on the 'Rio Ferdinand Foundation', which he set up back in 2012.
The foundation was set up with the goal of creating opportunities for young people in impoverished areas and has been a huge success.
Restaurants
Ferdinand entered the restaurant world in 2009, opening Rosso Restaurant & Bar in
Manchester
's city centre.
But Rosso, which was visited by A-listers galore, closed its doors after 15 years of service back in September 2023.
Advertisement
Ferdinand could look to revive the defunct restaurant or open a new one.
Although given the volatile nature of the culinary world, he may decide against returning to the industry.
Boxing
Ferdinand tried to become a professional boxer following his retirement in 2015 but was denied a license by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Ferdinand immediately gave up on his dreams of becoming a pugilist after the BBBofC's huge knockdown, although he could reignite them now that he has plenty of time on his hands.
Advertisement
Influencer
boxing
promotion Misfits Boxing would no doubt jump at the opportunity to get Ferdinand in the ring as they recently did with his former United and QPR team-mate Danny Simpson.
But they would likely have to break the bank to get him to lace up his gloves so late into his forties.
6
Rio Ferdinand could give boxing a go following his departure
Credit: INSTAGRAM@RIOFERDY5
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The 42
2 hours ago
- The 42
'We've got to believe that we can beat anyone' - Ireland learn potential play-off opponents
IRELAND FACE INTO the Uefa Women's Nations League promotion/relegation play-offs after finishing second in Group B2. Carla Ward's side were chasing top spot, but didn't achieve the four-goal win needed to usurp Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening. They won 1-0 thanks to Saoirse Noonan's first-half goal. While Slovenia secured safe passage to League A, Ireland have another shot at promotion in the play-offs in October. Their opponents — a third-placed League A outfit — will be confirmed in a Friday's draw in Nyon [12pm Irish time]. One of Austria (18th in the world rankings), Iceland (13th), Belgium (20th) and Denmark (12th) will await in a two-legged tie. 'I think that whoever we get out of those, they're top nations,' said Ward. 'But, look, we're building, we're evolving. Advertisement 'I think you've seen from game one to game six now the improvement, gaming as we've continued, five wins from six. So, we've got to believe that we can go and beat anyone. 'Players that have played for me at club and country often laugh at me because I'm somebody that believes that we can do anything if we really want to. 'So, whoever we get is going to be difficult, but we'll be prepared. That's for sure.' Austria are the only side not competing at this summer's European Championships. Ireland (26th) are unseeded, so will play at home first in the two-legged play-offs. League A status would significantly boost their 2027 World Cup qualification hopes. The Girls In Green will be without Anna Patten for the first leg of the October play-off: the Aston Villa defender is suspended after receiving a second yellow card this evening. Several other players, including Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan, are one booking away from a ban. Ireland return to action later this month with a pair of friendlies away to world number one-ranked side USA. McCabe will not travel after a hectic season, which she finished as a Champions League winner with Arsenal. 'A number' of players could be unavailable, Ward confirmed. 'Katie has played an awful lot of minutes for club and country. She's on the verge of burnout, as are some others. There's going to be conversations. It won't just be Katie that won't be travelling. There's probably going to be a number. 'It's a difficult one. I mean, you've seen with Millie Bright at England coming out, mental and physical fatigue is massive. I felt it at Villa. It's the reason I needed that break. It's a really tough place to be, and I think there's a lot of players close to that. They've played a lot of minutes, so we have to protect them. 'We have to protect them as people, and we'll support anybody that needs that break.'
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inter Milan ask Cesc Fabregas for permission to speak to… Cesc Fabregas as they target next manager
INTER MILAN have asked for permission to speak to Cesc Fabregas. The beaten Champions League finalists and Serie A runners-up have seen boss Simone Inzaghi leave by mutual consent, ahead of an expected move to Al-Hilal. Advertisement 2 Inter Milan want to speak to Como manager and co-owner Cesc Fabregas Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 It comes after coach Simone Inzaghi left the club Credit: EPA The Italian giants want to get their new boss in position quickly before the Club World Cup begins in less than two weeks. And that has led them to opening talks with Como to poach Fabregas. The ex- Fabregas, 38, is also a co-owner of the outfit alongside Thierry Henry, but have the richest club owners in Italian football in the form of the Indonesia-based Djarum Group. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Reports in Italy state Inter want to speak to the Spaniard about their available head coach role. However, Fabregas has already turned down a job offer from German side The Nerazzurri were being rivalled by But reports indicate they have agreed to appoint legendary Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Exclusive BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Fabregas has been a co-owner of Como since August 2022. Cesc Fabregas like you've never seen him before as mild-mannered ex-Arsenal star explodes in fiery dressing room rant
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Caoimhín Kelleher transfer brings buzz to low-key Ireland summer camp
It wouldn't be a June window without absences and distractions. Caoimhin Kelleher has provided both ahead of the Republic of Ireland's pair of friendlies with Senegal and Luxembourg and not a soul is complaining. In London on Monday to firm up his switch from Liverpool to Brentford, the goalkeeper was back in situ in Abbotstown the next day for training before news of his five-year deal finally emerged from his new Premier League employers. Ireland assistant manager John O'Shea faced the same sort of decision a generation ago when, after over a decade hoovering up medals at Old Trafford, a dwindling of first-team opportunities prompted him to leave Manchester United for Sunderland. Speaking before Kelleher's news became official, O'Shea was already sure that Ireland are in good hands. 'It's not an easy thing for him to do. He's proven the quality that he has every time he's been asked to go in as the number one for Liverpool, the run of games that he's shown, that he's been able to show the consistency… 'He's shown when he's had a run that they haven't missed Alisson when he's been injured. That's what the whole of Europe and the whole of the world has seen when CaoimhÍn has been in goal for Liverpool. So whatever happens, I'm sure we'll get the benefit of it.' Read More Brentford announce signing of Caoimhín Kelleher from Liverpool Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has stated consistently that every player's club situation is different while confirming an overriding preference for his men to bank as much game time as possible. O'Shea seconded that. Kelleher as a first-choice Premier League player firms up the impression of a national side with lots of defensive options. If there has been headway made in terms of the forward line, then the stagnation of Evan Ferguson's career is still a cause for frustration. A loan spell at West Ham United didn't go as hoped although the teenager impressed with Ireland in the spring. He has 'trained excellently' the last few days, according to O'Shea who highlighted the need for players to keep doing what they do best regardless of circumstance. 'I mentioned it in March: it's just a case that you can't sit and sulk about it. The Premier League is that elite level that at the minute … You see all the teams already trying to get players in, trying to get business done early. 'If they can, the competition, you have to be at it and on it every day possible, doing everything you can. And if you do that and you're not getting in the team, you hold your hands up and you say fair enough.' Ireland have no injury concerns among the men called to arms this week, which is just as well given the number of Championship players already given the summer off for a spot of R&R and the low-key nature of the month's business. There isn't a huge to-do list against Senegal and Luxembourg. A pair of losses wouldn't be ideal given the momentum built up against Bulgaria in March and those qualifiers to come in September, but this is really about small gains. Some of the new faces will get a run and who knows what that may bring. 'Listen, if we get players to have an impact this week in the friendlies that suddenly help us qualify or score a goal to qualify for us for the World Cup, I think you'll say it was definitely worthwhile,' said O'Shea. Killian Phillips and John Joe Patrick Finn are two big men who will look to make an impression in the middle if given the chance and Josh Honohan has been 'having a good battle ' with Festy Ebosele in training. The coaches speak about how players need to show their personalities. The harsh fact of it is that opportunities can be fleeting and even signs of real promise can be superseded by obstacles further down the path. Kasey McAteer and Bosun Lawal, for example, both made inroads with Ireland in the last 12 months. Both have since found injuries hampering their hopes of building on that with Leicester City and Stoke City respectively. There will be no Sadio Mane on the Senegal side on Friday evening but the visitors still boast a side of some class with players assembled from eleven different countries. Four of them come from England's Premier League. As friendlies go, it beats Qatar or New Zealand. 'They will have different attributes, but also they have that quality of maybe a top European team that can hurt you on transition attacks, technical ability, speed. So we have to be very careful in terms of when we are attacking, that we're not leaving ourselves vulnerable. 'They have that pace and power to hurt you. They've obviously been on a very good run themselves too, a run of form. So don't concede too many goals. It'll be a very good test for the lads.'
