Rio Ferdinand has spoken candidly about why he and his family swapped life in Britain for the sun-soaked luxury of Dubai — and didn’t hold back in criticising the UK’s current state of affairs.
The 47-year-old Manchester United legend explained that although he remains deeply patriotic, the growing tax burden and what he described as a crumbling system had made him question whether living in the UK was still worth it.
Speaking on LBC Radio, Ferdinand said he understood why more people were leaving the country: “If things like the health service were absolutely flying and working perfectly, people wouldn’t mind paying tax. But when so much is falling apart, you have to ask — is it really benefiting the people living here?”
He stopped short of saying that taxes were the reason for his own move but admitted the change had done wonders for his personal life. “My family are seeing me so much more now. I’m spending real quality time with them — it’s been great. I love England, but this new chapter has been refreshing for me.”
Ferdinand and his wife Kate relocated to Dubai in August, taking their two youngest children, Cree and Shae, while his older kids Lorenz, Tate, and Tia — from his late wife Rebecca Ellison — remain in the UK.
The football icon said his decision was shaped by several factors: “There’s not one reason. I went to Dubai for the Global Soccer Awards and just saw a different side to it. It’s safe, it’s vibrant, the weather’s great, and people seem valued there. I’ve also got a business there — Football Escapes.”
Education also played a major role. “When we looked at schools, it really pricked my mind. The system felt different, better for my kids. The teachers seem more valued. It just felt right,” he said.
Having stepped away from TNT Sports earlier this year after a decade, Ferdinand said this move marks the first time in 30 years his life isn’t dictated by football fixtures. “I’m not leaving football completely — but it’s not running my life anymore. And I’ve got to be honest, it feels nice.”
