Rio Ferdinand opens up on why he and his family have moved to Dubai - as Man United legend takes aim at the UK tax system and way of living

Rio Ferdinand has taken aim at the tax system in the United Kingdom as he explained a possible reason as to why more and more people are emigrating from those shores.

Ferdinand, his wife Kate and their family relocated to Dubai in August.

Their summer move comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £40billion of tax rises on businesses and the rich in her 2024 Budget. Within that sees a rise in capital gains tax, inheritance tax and VAT on private schools.

Speaking as a guest on LBC Radio, the Manchester United and England legend discussed the tax sanctions on UK residents - arguing that they do not benefit the general public.

'If things like the health service, for example, was absolutely flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn't mind paying tax,' he said.

'But when there's things that are falling apart and going wrong in the country, then I sit there and go, we pay towards tax and is it really going towards the things that are actually benefiting the people that live here?' Ferdinand said.

'And that's the big question that needs answering. I think a lot of us know the answer to that.'

While Ferdinand did not allude to that as the reason for he and his family's move to the United Arab Emirates, he did reveal that the switch has allowed him to spend more time with his family.

'My family are seeing me so much more and I'm spending some quality time with them and I think that's just been a great thing for me,' he continued.

'I love England and I'm a patriotic guy in that sense, but a new journey, a new chapter, something different, I think is a refreshing new chapter in my life.'

Speaking in August, Ferdinand - who turns 47 on Friday - said his move to Dubai was for a several reasons.

'There’s not one reason,' Ferdinand - who left TNT Sports in May - told The National, opening up on the decision. 'I went for the Global Soccer Awards at Christmas and I hadn't been there properly for about seven or eight years. I used to go there all the time before. 

'We spent time with a couple of (partner) Kate's friends who lived there and I just saw a different side to it. I also have a business out there, Football Escapes. 

'In Dubai, it feels like they're valued and the lifestyle means that they're happy and vibrant with a good energy for the kids. Lifestyle, safety, weather and just a new life. 

'I wanted a new chapter and I've been doing TNT (TV) since I retired for the last 10-11 years. When I made the decision, I thought "this must be 30 years when my life is driven by the fixture list." Not now. I'm not leaving football, but it's just not the governing body of my life now. I've got to be honest, it feels nice.'

The Manchester United legend went on to admit that his children's education was a key motivation behind the move. 

Ferdinand shares four-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae with wife Kate, who is also stepmother to his three teenage children Lorenz, Tate, 17, and Tia, 14, from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison. Lorenz and Tate live in England as they are on the books at Brighton and Hove Albion.

'I thought about moving, then we went back again in February for a little look at the schools just in case and it just pricked my mind to think about it,' he added. 

'That was almost like a big kicker for me because the education system felt different, felt better for my kids. The children who are coming are 14, which is perfect because it's their two years of GCSEs starting this August. 

'Then we’ve got a four and a two-year-old, so it's perfect timing for them as well. And the curriculum is English curriculum, but it's just done a different way. I feel the teachers in the UK feel a little bit like undervalued, underpaid.'