Ferdinand to step down from TNT Sports pundit role

Rio Ferdinand spent 10 years working for the broadcaster

Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he will step down from his role as a pundit with broadcaster TNT Sports.

The former Manchester United and England defender, 46, has worked for the company, previously known as BT Sport, for 10 years but will step aside to focus on "other business interests" and time with family.

Ferdinand's last game will be Saturday's Champions League final between Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan in Munich (20:00 BST).

"Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade," Ferdinand said in a statement posted on his X account.

"I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success."

"As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories. I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests," he added.

Ferdinand's YouTube channel has 1.32 million subscribers and he has also launched his own clothing line, called FIVE, in collaboration with retailer Sports Direct.