Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has spoken of his regret at missing this week’s Champions League semi-finals after sharing a picture of himself in a hospital bed.
The 46-year-old took to social media on Wednesday ahead of Arsenal’s second leg with Paris St Germain in France 24 hours after the seven-goal thriller between Inter Milan and Barcelona to explain his absence as a TNT Sports pundit.
Ferdinand, who appears to be in good spirits, did not make the reason for his presence in hospital clear.
Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad! 🤝🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/meODe2p88Y
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 7, 2025
In a post on his X account which was accompanied by a photograph of him making a thumbs-up gesture, he wrote: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!! Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”
TNT responded with a message on their own X account which read: “Get well soon, Rio.”
Former West Ham and Leeds defender Ferdinand made 455 appearances and won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and a Club World Cup during a glittering 12-year spell at Old Trafford.
