Rio Ferdinand's actions lead to Laura Woods' apology, with his actions spoiling her "finest effort" and inciting a chuckle-worthy explicit reaction.
Rio Ferdinand's Last Ride: A Heartfelt Farewell from TNT Sports
After a decade of shining as one of TNT Sport's key figures, football legend Rio Ferdinand bid adieu to his pundit role in a grand fashion. The Champions League final on May 31, 2025, became the stage for his farewell, covering Paris Saint-Germain's historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
With this match marking the biggest ever victory in a Champions League final and Paris' first title, the TNT Sports team had their work cut out. Yet, an amusing pre-match incident, caught on camera by co-host Laura Woods, added a lighter touch to the occasion.
A snapshot of their rehearsal for the final broadcast showed Woods ready to introduce the game when none other than Ferdinand himself walked past the camera. Unaware of his disruptive entrance, Woods exclaimed, "That was going to be some of my best work... oh he's back!" Fredinand, oblivious to his mischief, responded with an apologetic "sorry s**t!" before moving on.
Following this hilarious episode, Woods uploaded the clip to her 740,000 followers on Instagram, commenting, "We'll miss you, Rio (excuse the language!)" The veteran presenter later paid a more heartfelt tribute live on air: "Can I just say on behalf of everybody behind the camera and everyone that you've worked with that you've just been an absolute pleasure. Personally, since I've joined you've been so incredibly welcoming, and you'll be sorely, sorely missed."
Despite speculation regarding a potential move to the Middle East with his wife, Kate, Ferdinand had announced his departure prior to the Champions League final. In a touching statement, he acknowledged the support of his TNT Sports family and urged followers to stay connected with him through future projects.
Throughout his decade-long stint, Ferdinand has been a central figure for both Premier League and Champions League coverage, significantly contributing to TNT Sports' growth in the UK sports broadcasting scene.
His departure comes amidst a wider wave of changes in the British sports media, with the likes of Gary Lineker stepping down from traditional formats. Despite facing online criticism for alleged biased commentary, Ferdinand's departure from TNT Sports was reportedly an amicable decision, leaving open the possibility for future collaborations.
As Ferdinand embarks on new business ventures and spends more time with his family, he carries with him countless memories from his time at TNT Sports. This marked the end of an era for the channel and a new beginning for one of UK's most prominent pundits since his 2015 retirement as a player.
- In the midst of changes in the British sports media, Formula 1 and Champions League coverage at TNT Sports might miss the presence of Rio Ferdinand, who was a pivotal figure in their growth.
- As the UK sports broadcasting scene evolves, fans may get a chance to see Rio Ferdinand in a new light, perhaps commenting on F1 races or other sports entertainment programs.
- After bidding farewell to his pundit role at TNT Sports, Rio Ferdinand could find himself supporting his favorite football team – Inter Milan – now that he has more time for personal pursuits.
