Rio Ferdinand was given a becoming farewell by co-host and good friend Laura Woods after his final match as a TNT Sports activities pundit.
The Manchester United legend signed off from his position with the broadcaster after a decade as one among their key figures.
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He did so on the grandest of levels, the Champions League ultimate, protecting Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
It was the most important ever victory within the ultimate, and Paris’ first, that means TNT’s staff needed to be on their greatest behaviour to cowl the most important sport in membership soccer.
But pre-kick-off there was an amusing trade between Woods and Ferdinand which she later posted on Instagram.
The previous talkSPORT Breakfast host was seen rehearsing her introduction of the ultimate when a well-known determine walked in entrance of the digicam.
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“PSG going for his or her first Champions League title, may they do it? Let’s discover out within the firm of… f***ing hell Rio,” she mentioned earlier than cracking up.
“That was going to be a few of my greatest work… oh he’s again!”
Ferdinand was unaware he’d ruined Woods’ follow run after which whereas passing in entrance of the digicam once more he lastly clocked it.
“Oh are you doing it? Sorry s**t!” he mentioned.
Woods completed by saying: “I want that was stay,” and later made positive it was by importing the clip to her 740,000 followers.
She then added the caption: “We’ll miss you, Rio (excuse the language!)”
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Woods additionally gave a extra heartfelt goodbye stay on TNT saying: “Can I simply say on behalf of everyone behind the digicam and everybody that you’ve got labored with that you’ve got simply been an absolute pleasrue.
“Personally since I’ve joined you’ve got been so extremely welcoming and you will be sorely, sorely missed. Actually missed.
“No matter you do subsequent you are going to smash it, identical to you probably did right here.
Ferdinand beforehand introduced his departure, saying: “After 10 unbelievable years. I’ve made the tough determination to step away from TNT Sports activities after the Champions League ultimate.
“Since retiring from soccer it has been a privilege speaking concerning the sport I like for a decade for sports activities followers watching on BT Sports activities and TNT Sports activities.
“I need to acknowledge the large assist from the staff behind the scenes, whose exhausting work usually goes unseen, however has been important to our success.
“To everybody at TNT Sports activities, we’ve got an excellent finish to the season to stay up for on Saturday, and for now all focus shall be on what I feel may go down as one of many nice European finals.
“The community continues to thrive with extra rights than ever, and I stay up for following its progress and the thrilling future that lies forward.
“Lastly, I want to thank my household and my administration firm New Period for his or her ongoing assist.
“They’ve supported me to journey throughout Europe, following the very best gamers and watching the very best matches. For a soccer fan like me, it has been a dream come true.
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“As I flip the web page to the following chapter. I carry with me numerous reminiscences.
“I am enthusiastic about what the long run holds, spending extra time with my household, specializing in Rio Ferdinand Presents and my different enterprise pursuits.
“I hope to remain linked with all of you in several capacities. Thanks as soon as once more for every part.”
One of many UK’s most distinguished pundits since his retirement as a participant in 2015.
He hosts a profitable YouTube and podcast sequence, whereas the 46-year-old additionally lately skilled a well being scare that stored him out of PSG’s semi-final win over Arsenal.
