Rio Ferdinand explains decision to move to Dubai after quitting TNT Sports job
Rio Ferdinand has revealed why he has relocated to Dubai after bringing his 10-year stint as a TV pundit to an end, with the former Manchester United star describing the move as a fresh start after decades of his life being dictated by the football calendar.
Ferdinand, 45, said that the move was driven by a combination of lifestyle, family and education factors, as well as the desire to step back from a life bound by the increasingly hectic fixture schedule as a leading face for TNT Sports.
He announced at the end of last season that he would be stepping aside from his commitments to the broadcaster but maintains his own successful podcast business.
'There's not one reason,' he told The National. '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.'
The ex-England centre back also highlighted Dubai's family-friendly environment as a major attraction and said he was impressed by the education opportunities on offer to his children having paid a visit to schools back in February along with partner Kate.
'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,' he said.
'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.
'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."
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