Need to know
Rio Ferdinand moved to Dubai with his wife Kate and their three youngest children last year, before Iran launched air strikes this weekend across the Middle East
Rio Ferdinand’s stance on returning to England emerged before Iran launched air strikes across the Middle East(Image: Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Rio Ferdinand’s stance on returning from Dubai…
- Rio Ferdinand recently relocated part of his family to a £6million mansion in Dubai before Iran launched air strikes across the Middle East. This move came shortly after his time working as a football pundit for TNT Sports ended.
- Despite the luxurious lifestyle, his wife Kate has openly admitted to struggling with homesickness. She recently shared on a podcast that she deeply misses her friends and family back in London.
- The couple moved to the United Arab Emirates with their three youngest children. However, Rio’s two eldest sons chose to remain in the UK to pursue their professional football careers at Brighton.
- The former Manchester United defender has praised the education system in Dubai as being highly beneficial for his children. He also expressed a belief that teachers in the UK are often underpaid and undervalued.
- Ferdinand is currently enjoying his break from the demanding and relentless schedule of professional football. During this time, he has actively expanded his business portfolio by investing in the Middle Eastern sports platform Koora Break.
- A permanent return to the UK looked highly unlikely for the family in the near future, but this was before strikes hit on Saturday. The financial benefits of living in a low-tax jurisdiction like Dubai are a significant factor in this decision.
- Ferdinand has been vocal about his scepticism regarding how the UK government manages and spends tax revenue. He pointed out that rising taxes are difficult to accept when public services, such as the healthcare system, appear to be struggling.
- Ultimately, the family is trying to balance the undeniable perks of their new life abroad with the emotional challenges of living far from home. While Dubai offers excellent business and educational opportunities, the emotional pull of the UK remains strong for Kate.
- READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand ‘stance on UK return’ after wife’s heartbreaking admission about Dubai life
