Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has spoken out about the missile strikes in Dubai, where he has been living with his wife Kate and their children
Rio Ferdinand has opened up about living under lockdown in Dubai following a series of missile attacks near his residence.
The former Manchester United defender, 47, relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last August with his wife Kate, 34, and their children Shae, five, Cree, two, alongside Rio’s daughter Tia, 14.
He’s among a growing number of high-profile figures who have chosen to make the Middle East their home, joining the likes of former boxer Amir Khan and Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan in settling in Dubai.
However, over recent days, Dubai has come under assault from Iran, leaving Ferdinand stranded and “frightened” for the safety of his wife and three youngsters.
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“Been a different week for me, not going to lie,” Ferdinand revealed on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents. “Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout. A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together.
“Home-schooling a bit today. It’s frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets – I don’t know what it is – going above us, and you’re hearing big bombs, and what that is we don’t know as we don’t know the details of what they are.
“It’s telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house. You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible.
“I’ve got to be honest guys, it’s been a bit of a scary situation but at the same time weirdly enough I’ve felt very secure and looked after. My studio has become my bunker.
“We were advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise started and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. We are utilising the space wisely.”
Meanwhile, former TOWIE star and TV personality Kate offered an update on the family’s circumstances and assured supporters they were unharmed following a “very scary night”.
She posted: “Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven’t wanted to worry you all I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe.
“The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.
“Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye-opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”
Rio’s other children, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, remained in the United Kingdom rather than moving to Dubai with the rest of the family, as they continued pursuing their football careers back home.
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