6 days ago
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TNT Sports appears to have identified a successor for Rio Ferdinand ahead of the clash between Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
The Manchester United icon confirmed his departure from the broadcaster in May through a social media announcement. Following a decade with the organisation, previously branded as BT Sport, Ferdinand decided to step away to focus on "other business ventures" and his family commitments.
Posting on X, the 46-year-old expressed: "Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade. I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.
"As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories. I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests."
Ferdinand has accumulated over one million subscribers on his YouTube channel, whilst also operating his own clothing label, FIVE.
With the new campaign looming, TNT has seemingly pinpointed a replacement for the former United captain. As per business news outlet City AM, TNT has recruited Joel Ward to join Steve McManaman in the punditry team for the Community Shield match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
The report indicates that the former Crystal Palace defender is not being viewed as a long-term successor for Ferdinand.
After a 13-year stint at Selhurst Park, Ward departed Palace after his contract ended this summer. Speaking to the club's official website, the 35-year-old expressed: "For me, it's been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.
"It's been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life. Obviously, I came from somewhere else.
"But I've been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I'd like to think I'm part of the family. This isn't 'goodbye' – it's merely a 'see you later.'"
Despite his departure from Palace and securing a spot on TNT, Ward told talkSPORT he has no intention of retiring just yet. The defender stated: "The idea is to carry on.
"I've still got the hunger, still got the desire to play and to cross that white line. So until that leaves my body, I don't plan on giving up any time soon."
Earlier in March this year, TNT bagged a four-year deal with the FA for the broadcasting rights of the Emirates FA Cup, starting from the 2025/26 season. The broadcaster will televise live matches right from the first round, and all games from the third round of the world's oldest national football competition – excluding 3pm kick-offs – will be available up to the Wembley Stadium final.
TNT will also air the Community Shield this Sunday. Moreover, the broadcaster has secured the rights to broadcast Premier League matches for another four years, extending through to the 2028/29 season.
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