Rio Ferdinand will depart TNT Sports activities on Saturday after ten years with the broadcaster.
The Manchester United and England legend has introduced that the Champions League ultimate between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain will probably be his final as a TNT Sports activities pundit.
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In an announcement on his Instagram web page, Ferdinand described the choice as ‘tough’ and outlined plans to deal with his personal media firm.
The 46-year-old mentioned: “After 10 unimaginable years. I’ve made the tough choice to step away from TNT Sports activities after the Champions League ultimate.
“Since retiring from soccer it has been a privilege speaking concerning the recreation I really like for a decade for sports activities followers watching on BT Sports activities and TNT Sports activities.
“I need to acknowledge the super assist from the crew behind the scenes, whose laborious work usually goes unseen, however has been important to our success.
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“To everybody at TNT Sports activities, we have now a superb finish to the season to look ahead to on Saturday, and for now all focus will probably be on what I feel might go down as one of many nice European finals.
“The community continues to thrive with extra rights than ever, and I look ahead to following its progress and the thrilling future that lies forward.
“Lastly, I wish to thank my household and my administration firm New Period for his or her ongoing assist.
“They’ve supported me to journey all around the Europe throughout Europe, following the most effective gamers and watching the most effective matches. For a soccer fan like me, it has been a dream come true.
“As I flip the web page to the subsequent 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.
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“I hope to remain related with all of you in numerous capacities. Thanks as soon as once more for the whole lot.”
Ferdinand has grow to be considered one of soccer’s most distinguished pundits since hanging up his boots in 2015.
He was signed as BT Sport’s flagship pundit after the broadcaster acquired Premier League and Champions League rights, earlier than the channel was rebranded to TNT Sports activities in 2023.
The long-lasting centre-back has labored as each an analyst and a co-commentator, the choice to depart is considered totally all the way down to him.
It’s understood Ferdinand turned down the choice of a brand new TNT Sports activities contract, which was tabled initially of the 2024/25 season.
Ferdinand was lately compelled to overlook TNT Sports activities duties after being hospitalised throughout a well being scare earlier this month.
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He returned in full well being for the Europa League ultimate on Might 21 – which noticed his former facet Man United crushed 1-0 by Tottenham.
Ferdinand has quite a few impartial media belongings, together with his ‘Vibe With 5’ collection and ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ – which has grown to greater than 1.3million subscribers on YouTube.
His administration firm, New Period, lately signed a take care of American expertise company William Morris Endeavor (WME).
WME already symbolize a number of A-list celebrities, together with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Alba and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Their sporting purchasers additionally embody NBA stars and broadcasters, which might pave the way in which for Ferdinand to work within the US media.
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