Manchester United icon star Rio Ferdinand reveals scary Dubai lockdown as Iran missile strikes force family to hide in basement | International Sports News
Rio Ferdinand has shared a frightening update from Dubai after missile strikes from Iran shook areas close to his home. The former Manchester United defender said it has been a “scary situation” for his family as loud explosions and fighter jets were heard overhead. Rio Ferdinand, 47, and his wife Kate Ferdinand, 34, moved to the United Arab Emirates in August last year with their children Cree, five, Shae, two, and Rio’s daughter Tia, 14. Now, instead of their usual daily routine, the family has been sleeping in their basement for safety. Speaking on his podcast “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” Rio Ferdinand gave fans a clear picture of what life has been like during the lockdown.“Been a different week for me, not going to lie,” he said. “It’s frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets going above us, and you’re hearing big bombs.”He explained that the hardest part has been staying calm for the children. “It’s telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment,” he added. Despite the fear, Rio Ferdinand said they feel protected and are following official advice to stay indoors.
Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand describe terrifying nights in Dubai lockdown
As the situation unfolded, the family was advised to move into their basement on the first night of heavy noise. Rio Ferdinand said, “We were advised to go into the basement on the first night and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. My studio has become my bunker.”Kate Ferdinand also spoke openly on Instagram after what she called a “very scary night.” She wrote, “Thank you for all of your messages. We are safe. The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way.”She added that while she felt nervous, she believed they were in safe hands. In a touching moment, she shared how young Cree and Shae treated the night like a sleepover in the basement.Rio Ferdinand’s older sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, did not move to Dubai and remain in the United Kingdom to focus on football. In earlier interviews with LBC Radio and The National, Rio Ferdinand said the move allowed him to spend more time with his family and focus on his younger children’s education.For now, the family is staying together indoors, hoping for calmer nights ahead as tensions continue in the region.
