Rio Ferdinand takes refuge in Dubai amid missile strikes
Rio Ferdinand has been compelled to seek shelter in his Dubai basement with his family as missile strikes hit the area, prompting the former Manchester United defender to express feeling “scared” in what he described as “frightening” circumstances, reports BritPanorama.
The 47-year-old ex-England captain and his loved ones are currently in lockdown due to escalating military tensions throughout the Middle East.
Ferdinand, who relocated to the UAE from Britain last year, shared his genuine fear as the perilous situation unfolded around them. The family has been sheltering together as regional conflict intensifies, particularly following recent military operations.
The crisis has been exacerbated by US and Israeli bombing campaigns targeting Iran, which have led to retaliatory strikes across various locations in the region, with the UAE included among the affected areas.
On his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents, he noted the unsettling nature of the events. He relayed, “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.”
Ferdinand lives in the UAE with his wife, Kate, and their children: five-year-old Cree, two-year-old Shae, and 14-year-old Tia. His elder sons, 19-year-old Lorenz and 17-year-old Tate, opted to remain in the United Kingdom to pursue their football careers.
He explained the family’s routine amidst the chaos: “A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together. Home-schooling a bit today.” In a further update, his wife Kate expressed gratitude for safety and acknowledged the government’s efforts in ensuring their security.
Ferdinand reflected on their situation, stating, “My studio has become my bunker. We were advised to go into the basement on the first night that all the noise started and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. We are utilising the space wisely.”
The unfolding situation not only highlights the personal fears of those caught in the crossfire, but serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by expatriates in times of international discord, illustrating how easily one’s world can be upended by geopolitical tensions.
