Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that concerns over how taxpayers' money is used and the state of the NHS were key factors in his decision to relocate his family to Dubai. The 46-year-old left the UK in August and now resides in the luxurious Al Barari community with his wife Kate.
Speaking to LBC, Ferdinand argued that people would be willing to pay tax if services like the health service were functioning well. 'But when things are falling apart, going wrong, you did sit there and go 'well I'm paying all this tax, but is it really going towards the things that benefit the people that live here',' he said. His remarks come ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget, which is expected to include tax rises.
Ferdinand also highlighted the benefits to his family life, saying: 'My family is seeing me so much more and I'm spending some quality time with them ... I think that's just been a great thing for me.' He described the move as 'a new journey, a new chapter', adding that he remains patriotic about England.
The couple's new home is a £6.5 million mansion featuring seven bedrooms, a family pool, a rooftop terrace with coastal views, and a home cinema. Prior to the move, Ferdinand and his family lived in a multi-million pound home in Bromley, South East London, and had frequently holidayed in Dubai.
