Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand was forced to miss TNT Sports’ coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain after being hospitalised on Wednesday evening.
The 46-year-old had been scheduled to appear alongside Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist to provide co-commentary for what proved to be a thrilling encounter, as PSG ran out 2-1 winners on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
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Ferdinand, who won the Champions League with United in 2008 and earned 81 caps for England, posted a picture from a hospital bed on X, giving a thumbs-up to the camera and revealing he would be watching the game remotely.
“Gutted to be missing the semi-finals this week on TNT Sports!” Ferdinand wrote.
“Wishing the team all the best – I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”
TNT Sports responded with a supportive message: “Get well soon, Rio!”
The former centre-back has been a regular fixture on the network’s European coverage and was most recently on duty for Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao.
He also featured during United’s dramatic European comeback against Lyon.
A game in which Ferdinand’s commentary drew mixed reactions, with some accusing him of biased support for his former club.
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Ferdinand had predicted a PSG win prior to Arsenal’s second-leg clash, suggesting Mikel Arteta’s men needed strong mental resilience to pull off an upset.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “I’m going to go Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain.
“If there is a team who can go to PSG and win it’s Arsenal.
“I don’t think it’s about ability at this stage, I think it’s about mentality and belief.
“There’s positives there but if the mindset isn’t right, they will get smoked, I’m telling you. The problem for Arsenal is PSG are a proper team.”
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Ferdinand’s Champions League prediction looked well placed, as PSG booked their ticket to the final while Barcelona were dramatically knocked out by Inter Milan after conceding an injury-time equaliser and extra-time winner.
Despite his current setback, Ferdinand is known for maintaining peak physical fitness post-retirement, often sharing workout clips from the gym with his fans.
Get well soon Rio!
Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!
Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad! 🤝🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/meODe2p88Y— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 7, 2025
