Rio Ferdinand announced that he will quit TNT Sports in a role for over a decade as he is pursuing a personal project, with Gareth Bale lined up as successor
TNT Sports reportedly agreed to a deal with former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, and after Rio Ferdinand’s departure he agreed to become one of the leading experts of the season.
The broadcaster was looking for a new expert after Ferdinand announced he would resign from his recurring role in May after 10 years at work.
Ferdinand is one of the most famous faces in TNT during Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches, and has always been around since joining the channel’s previous name, BT Sport in 2015.
The Manchester United legend said he wanted to experience a new chapter and focus on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents and his other business interests.
According to the Guardian, TNT has now moved to find a long-term successor to Ferdinand by securing Bale, the five-time Champions League winner, as the next well-known critic.
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Bale will accompany Tottenham teammates Peter Crouch and Chelsea legend Joe Cole as part of the TNT lineup, along with Ally McCoist, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen and Steve McManaman.
The former Welsh winger is part of the Europa League final press group between Tottenham and Manchester United, and has been seen more regularly on TNT in recent months.
He will be seen in TNT’s Premier League and in the European press.
They also secured a four-year contract to display FA Cup matches, but the BBC still broadcasts a total of 14 matches, including two quarterfinals, one semifinal and a final.
Ferdinand explained that he was excited to experience new challenges as he revealed his decision to quit TNT in a statement earlier this summer.
He states: “It’s been a privilege for sports fans who have watched at BT Sports and TNT Sports since I retired from soccer, to talk about the games I’ve loved for the past 10 years.
“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever before and we look forward to following its progress and exciting future ahead.
“I have countless memories as I turn the page into the next chapter, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand gifts and other business interests.
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