Rio Ferdinand hearing 'missiles and bombs' in Dubai

For most Manchester United fans, Rio Ferdinand is linked with staying calm under pressure.

This past week, however, the former defender has faced a very different kind of challenge.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai with his wife Kate and their children last August.

The family, including Shae, five, Cree, two, and Rio’s daughter Tia, has been living in the United Arab Emirates city since then.

Recently, life has taken a troubling turn.

After strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States, retaliatory attacks have reportedly targeted several neighbouring countries, including the UAE. Dubai has been hit, with damage reported at Dubai International Airport and well-known landmarks like the Fairmont The Palm hotel and the Burj Al Arab.

On his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United center-back talked about what the situation has been like at home.

He shared a photo taken by Kate during a family gym session and wrote: “Good morning. A very hectic but wholesome family workout this morning. Hope everyone is ok.”

But behind that positive note, Ferdinand admitted it has been a stressful time.

“This week has been different for me, not going to lie,” he said.

“First off, I’m feeling great this morning because the whole family worked out together. It’s a bit like during Covid, when we all did things we wouldn’t usually do together.

“We did a bit of home-schooling today. It’s frightening to hear missiles, planes, and fighter jets going over us.

“You hear big explosions, and we don’t know what they are. It’s about telling your kids what’s happening and helping them through this moment, which is especially important as the dad.

“You want to stay calm and keep everyone else calm too.

“Honestly, it’s been a bit scary, but strangely enough, I’ve felt secure and taken care of.

“My studio has turned into my bunker. We were told to go into the basement the first night all the noise started, and we slept down here with duvets and such.

“We’re using the space wisely.”

For a man who spent years organising defences at Old Trafford, this is a different kind of leadership.

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