Rio Ferdinand TNT Sports farewell in full as Laura Woods bids emotional goodbye

Rio Ferdinand is turning his attention away from punditry to focus on his production company and his family as the Champions League final marked his final showing for TNT

Rio Ferdinand expressed his gratitude to the TNT Sports team as he brought the curtain down on his time with the channel following the Champions League final. The former Manchester United defender watched on as a pundit for the broadcaster for the final time as Paris Saint-Germain decimated Inter Milan 5-0.

Ferdinand announced in the build up to Europe’s highest-profile match that his trip to the Allianz Arena in Munich would see him step away from a hectic schedule. The ex-England international spent a decade travelling as part of the BT Sport and then TNT team covering Premier League and European action, and plans to spend more time with his family.

Ferdinand will also work with his management firm New Era and focus more of time on his production company, on which he produces podcasts and conducts interviews. ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ has more than 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube

In the build up to PSG’s victory, presenter Laura Woods offered a nod to it being a poignant night for her colleague. The TNT star offered a moment for Ferdinand to reflect.

She asked him on air: “Rio, you’ve just been taking it all in, haven’t you?’

READ MORE: Two dead and 192 injured as 426 arrests made in France chaos after PSG triumphREAD MORE: Kylian Mbappe and Neymar react as PSG finally break Champions League duck

“Yeah, I have,” he replied. “I’ve been in the city for three days now. It’s been a bit of a lads’ tour. We’ve been loving it.”

And Ferdinand went on to deliver a gracious speech, paying tribute to those he’d worked with on and off he camera. “I just want to say thank you to everybody that I’ve worked with,” he said.

“My job was made a lot easier by the great people and friends that I have worked with and will remain friends for many years.

“As important as the people you see on the screen are the people behind the screen that do all the jobs to get us here and enable us to put our best foot forward are all appreciated. Again, thank you to everybody who has been a part of it.”

Fellow TNT pundit Steven Gerrard asked if his former team-mate was now going to have a cold beer, Ferdinand replied: “All the beers are on me!”

Ferdinand and TNT Sports remain on good terms and it may not be the last time he appears for the broadcaster. The channel will take over FA Cup rights next season, and there may still be opportunities for him to appear as a special guest.

Woods paid a final tribute to Ferdinand before signing off. “From us here at TNT Sport, to you. That is it for your career here, for now,” she said.

“Can I just say on behalf of all of us – including everyone behind the camera – you’ve been an absolute pleasure. And personally since I joined, you’ve been so incredibly welcoming. You’ll be sorely, sorely missed.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£43

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.