Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have left Dubai for their luxury villa in Portugal's Algarve region, following a wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran. The couple own a property near Quinta do Lago, where they spent last summer with their children.
Rio, 47, posted a photograph on social media showing himself bare-chested, enjoying a Portuguese Super Bock beer on a sun-drenched terrace. The accompanying caption referenced Liverpool and Chelsea dropping points in the race for the top four, after those clubs suffered defeats to Brighton and Everton respectively.
The family relocated after Dubai came under attack from Iranian suicide drones and missiles, with tensions remaining high as the US administration reportedly considers deploying an Army paratrooper division to the Middle East. Rio has previously described seeking refuge in a bomb shelter during the initial days of the assault, saying it was frightening to hear missiles and fighter jets.
Kate, 34, a former TOWIE star, admitted she misses the UK and struggles with being away from Rio's older sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, who remained in Britain to pursue their football careers. However, she noted a recent mindset shift and highlighted benefits for their younger children, including five-year-old son Cree learning Arabic.
