Rio Ferdinand, 46, and wife Kate, 34, reveal they have moved to Dubai

Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have revealed they have taken the plunge and moved to Dubai with their family.  

The former footballer, 46, and TOWIE star, 34, have packed up and moved from Bromley in South East London to the United Arab Emirates. 

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Kate shared an array of snaps of their new life abroad and gave a glimpse into their plush new home. 

Kate was seen displaying her impressive figure in a skimpy mint green bikini as she posed in front of the Burj Al Arab alongside Rio.

The couple were joined by their children as they enjoyed a pool day in their new home.

Kate shared a snap of their crisp cream living room filled with plush interiors, as well as a sweet snap from their new bed with son Cree. 

She captioned the snaps: ‘A new chapter, a fresh start — because if we don’t try, we’ll never know✨.’

‘Ahhh! We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met!

‘Missing some of our specials already & a bit scared, excited & nervous — but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings ❤️.’

Their celebrity pals were quick to congratulate the couple on their move to Dubai.  

Fellow TOWIE stars were out in force, with Georgia Kousoulou writing: ‘So so excited for you all ❤️.’

‘I remember that day like it was yesterday! Time flies ❤ good luck to you all x,’ said Amber Dowding, while Billie Shepherd added: ‘Wishing you all the luck and happiness ❤️.’

Rochelle Humes also commented, writing: ‘So excited for you girly ❤️ See you in October.’

Meanwhile Scottish former footballer Ally McCoist wrote: ‘Looks superb. Have they got a Zara out there big yin ?’

Rio recently revealed the motivation behind his decision to relocate to Dubai just months after quitting his punditry role at TNT Sports.

The former Manchester United and England defender announced in May that he was parting ways with the broadcaster at the end of last season to focus on his business interests.

Ferdinand, whose time on TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport) spanned 10 years, has decided to relocate with his family to the United Arab Emirates, despite his 19-year-old son Lorenz signing his first professional contract with Brighton in July.

‘There’s not one reason,’ Ferdinand 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. 

Rio 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 – who tragically passed away in 2015.

‘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.’