Rio Ferdinand explains why he left England

Rio Ferdinand has had a truly successful career in football, turning his hand to many different aspects of the game.

On the pitch, the former England international is best known for his legendary stint at Old Trafford with Manchester United, having helped them win

However, after hanging up his boots, the former centre-back has turned his hand to punditry and social media.

His Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube Channel is highly successful, interviewing top players and former teammates, uncovering and revealing incredible exclusive stories such as Dimitar Berbatov’s kidnapping and Wayne Rooney’s battle with alcohol.

However, in the summer, Ferdinand broke the incredible news that he was moving away from England permanently.

The ex-defender has moved to Dubai with his family, getting away from the UK, and Ferdinand has now opned up on his decision.

It’s now understood that Ferdinand’s decision to leave the country was vastly influenced by the Labour government’s decision around £40 billion tax rises included in last year’s Budget.

The main areas to be hit are capital gains tax, inheritance tax and VAT on private schools.

Speaking to LBC Radio, Ferdinand commented: “If things like the health service, for example, was absolutely flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.”

He continued: “But when there’s things that are falling apart and going wrong in the country, then I sit there and go, we pay towards tax and is it really going towards the things that are actually benefitting the people that live here?

“And that’s the big question that needs answering. I think a lot of us know the answer to that.”

With the former player’s successful YouTube, it’s unknown if he’ll return to the UK for any punditry roles in the future, however, for the time being he seems very happy with his decision to settle in Dubai.

Speaking about the affects on his family, he commented: “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.

“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 in my life.

“In Dubai, it feels like they [his family] are valued, and the lifestyle means that they’re happy and vibrant with a good energy for the kids.

“Lifestyle, safety, weather and just a new life.”