Latest news with #FerdinandPresents'
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rio Ferdinand TNT Sports farewell in full as Laura Woods bids emotional goodbye
Rio Ferdinand is turning his attention away from punditry to focus on his production company and his family as the Champions League final marked his final showing for TNT Rio Ferdinand expressed his gratitude to the TNT Sports team as he brought the curtain down on his time with the channel following the Champions League final. The former Manchester United defender watched on as a pundit for the broadcaster for the final time as Paris Saint-Germain decimated Inter Milan 5-0. Ferdinand announced in the build up to Europe's highest-profile match that his trip to the Allianz Arena in Munich would see him step away from a hectic schedule. The ex-England international spent a decade travelling as part of the BT Sport and then TNT team covering Premier League and European action, and plans to spend more time with his family. Ferdinand will also work with his management firm New Era and focus more of time on his production company, on which he produces podcasts and conducts interviews. ' Rio Ferdinand Presents' has more than 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube In the build up to PSG's victory, presenter Laura Woods offered a nod to it being a poignant night for her colleague. The TNT star offered a moment for Ferdinand to reflect. She asked him on air: "Rio, you've just been taking it all in, haven't you?' "Yeah, I have," he replied. "I've been in the city for three days now. It's been a bit of a lads' tour. We've been loving it." And Ferdinand went on to deliver a gracious speech, paying tribute to those he'd worked with on and off he camera. "I just want to say thank you to everybody that I've worked with," he said. "My job was made a lot easier by the great people and friends that I have worked with and will remain friends for many years. "As important as the people you see on the screen are the people behind the screen that do all the jobs to get us here and enable us to put our best foot forward are all appreciated. Again, thank you to everybody who has been a part of it." Fellow TNT pundit Steven Gerrard asked if his former team-mate was now going to have a cold beer, Ferdinand replied: "All the beers are on me!" Ferdinand and TNT Sports remain on good terms and it may not be the last time he appears for the broadcaster. The channel will take over FA Cup rights next season, and there may still be opportunities for him to appear as a special guest. Woods paid a final tribute to Ferdinand before signing off. "From us here at TNT Sport, to you. That is it for your career here, for now," she said. "Can I just say on behalf of all of us - including everyone behind the camera - you've been an absolute pleasure. And personally since I joined, you've been so incredibly welcoming. You'll be sorely, sorely missed."
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Rio Ferdinand potential career moves after leaving TNT Sports as Man Utd legend looks to ‘next chapter'
The world is the 46-year-old's oyster now he's no longer bound to TNT Sports' hectic schedule RIO GRANDE Rio Ferdinand potential career moves after leaving TNT Sports as Man Utd legend looks to 'next chapter' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RIO FERDINAND is officially a free agent having left his role at TNT Sports. The former Manchester United and England defender was part of the broadcaster's commentary and punditry team for a DECADE. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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. READ MORE ON RIO FERDINAND LIKE A BOSS Alex Ferguson rips into Rio Ferdinand just moments after seeing Man Utd icon '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. 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. 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. 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 culling multiple presenters and reporters in a wave of redundancies. 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 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. 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. 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.
