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Rio Ferdinand opened up about the devastating reason behind his decision to forgo his ambition of becoming a football manager.
The Manchester United and England icon, who retired from professional football in 2015, had set his sights on coaching, eagerly undertaking coaching badges alongside fellow luminaries like Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, and John O'Shea.
However, tragedy struck that same year when his beloved wife, Rebecca, lost her battle with breast cancer at the tender age of 34, leaving behind their three young children: Lorenz, Tate, and Tia.
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Ferdinand putting family first
Ferdinand revealed on The Overlap podcast, the profound impact of his circumstances on his career aspirations, stating, "My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them."
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Reflecting on the demanding nature of football management, he acknowledged, "If you're going to be a manager you've got to be there 24/7, there's no time off."
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Observing the experiences of his peers, he noted the constant juggling act that comes with the role, emphasizing, "Their phones are never off their ear. They're not really fully engaged because they're probably thinking about a million other things."
He emphasized the stark choice he faced, asserting, "I had to make a real quick decision. It wasn't even something I had to think about, really. It was just like, I'm not doing that." Despite his passion for the game, Ferdinand prioritized his role as a father, recognizing the irreplaceable moments he would have missed as a manager.
Embracing a Different Path
Following his wife's passing, Ferdinand found love again with former reality TV star Kate Wright, now Kate Ferdinand, whom he married in 2019.
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Together, they have navigated the complexities of blended family life, with Kate playing an instrumental role in raising Ferdinand's children and welcoming two more into the world: son Cree and baby girl Shae.
Ferdinand has found fulfilment in a different aspect of the football world, delighting fans as a regular pundit on TNT Sports.
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He expressed his joy in his current role, sharing, "I'd be doing this anyway with my pals, going to games."
Despite stepping away from the sidelines, Ferdinand remains deeply connected to the sport he loves, relishing the opportunity to provide insights and analysis from the comfort of the commentator's chair.
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