Rio Ferdinand takes purpose at UK authorities after revealing cause for transferring to Dubai
Rio Ferdinand left the UK for Dubai in August and the former Manchester United and England star has taken aim at the government as one of the main reasons for the relocation
Rio Ferdinand has swapped the UK for Dubai, citing concerns over how taxpayers’ money is being spent as one of his reasons for leaving.
The former Manchester United defender decided to relocate to the United Arab Emirates, expressing dissatisfaction with the Government‘s handling of taxpayers’ funds and ongoing issues within the NHS.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled a whopping £40 billion tax hike on businesses in last year’s Budget. She’s also hinted at breaking Labour’s manifesto pledge by increasing income tax in this month’s Budget, stating that everyone would need to “all have to contribute” to mend the country’s finances.
Ferdinand bid farewell to the UK in August and, despite enjoying a tax-free lifestyle in his new residence, he suggested that Brits would be willing to pay taxes if they felt the Government was managing things effectively – a belief he doesn’t hold.
Speaking to LBC, he said: “If there were things like the health service and what not, and they were flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.
“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’. And that’s the big question that needs answering – and I think a lot of us know the answer to that.”
The 46-year-old, who left his punditry role with TNT Sports last season, has also revealed that he’s been able to spend more time with his family since the move. “My family is seeing me so much more and I’m spending some quality time with them and I think that’s just been a great thing for me,” he shared.
“I love England and I’m a patriotic guy in that sense, but a new journey, a new chapter, something different, I think is a refreshing new chapter in my life.”
Ferdinand and his partner, Kate, are currently living it up in Dubai. Kate previously offered a sneak peek of their £6.5million mansion on Instagram, nestled in the lavish gated community of Al Barari.
The plush property reportedly features seven bedrooms, a family pool, a rooftop terrace offering stunning coastal views, and a home cinema.
Before making the move, Ferdinand and his wife resided in a pricey house in Bromley, South East London, but they frequently jetted off to Dubai for family getaways.
