Rio Ferdinand gets new job 6,000 miles away after shock TNT Sports departure

RIO FERDINAND has landed a shock new job more than 6,000 miles away from the UK.

It comes weeks after the Man Utd legend sensationally quit his decade-long punditry role at TNT Sports.

Rio Ferdinand has landed a new job in Asia

Ferdinand has been hired to work at a virtual football festival

Ferdinand has now been hired for a new role with EA SPORTS.

The 46-year-old is heading to Thailand to work at the Visa Presents EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival in Bangkok on June 14.

He is therefore swapping real football for a virtual kind as he fronts a special Q&A session on stage.

Ferdinand will also play in a FC Mobile Showmatch with gamers and present the winner’s trophy and £22,000 prize on June 15.

The ex-England defender will therefore be working in South East Asia during the first two games of the Club World Cup in the US.

Ferdinand announced his new job himself with a picture of himself on a poster on X.

He captioned it: “Next stop, Bangkok… I’m heading to the Mobile Festival Bangkok—where passion, skill, and football culture collide!

“Can’t wait to see you all ”

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The best FC Mobile competitors from across Asia and the Middle East will compete, in front of global football icons and social media influencers.

Ferdinand stepped away from the TNT microphone after Paris Saint-Germain battered Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League on May 31.

He hinted at new work ventures towards the end of his heartfelt exit statement a week prior.

It read: “I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.

“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”

Sources at TNT suggested Ferdinand could return to the channel in the future, whether on a guest or permanent basis.

The decision not to renew his deal allows Ferdinand to concentrate on his own online channels, which have become increasingly popular.