‘It’s Frightening’ - Manchester United Legend Opens Up on Life in Dubai Under Iran Missile Strikes

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he and his family have been taking shelter in their basement in Dubai following a series of "terrifying" missile strikes in the region.

Ferdinand, 47, and his wife Kate, 34, relocated to the UAE in August of last year with their children Shae, two, and Cree, five, as well as Rio's 14-year-old daughter, Tia. The recent escalation in regional tensions has left the family, along with other residents, feeling unsettled.

"Been a different week for me, not going to lie," Ferdinand stated on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents. He described the situation as reminiscent of Covid lockdowns, with the family spending more time together indoors and even engaging in homeschooling.

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"It's frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets—I don't know what it is—going above us, and you're hearing big bombs," he explained.

"It's telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house. You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible."

The football legend shared that his studio has effectively become a "bunker" for the family. "We were advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise started and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. We are utilising the space wisely," he added.

His wife, Kate, also addressed the situation on Instagram, reassuring followers of their safety after what she called a "very scary night."

"Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven't wanted to worry you all I just haven't been able to find the words. We are safe," she wrote. "The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands."

She noted a silver lining for their youngest children, adding, "Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn't believe we all got a sleepover in the basement."

Rio's older sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, did not move to Dubai with the family, choosing to remain in the UK to pursue their own football careers.

On her Blended podcast, Kate has previously spoken about the challenges of the move, admitting she misses London and her "home comforts." However, she also highlighted the positive impact the relocation has had on their family life, particularly after Rio stepped back from his punditry role with TNT Sports.

"I think it's an amazing place to live, I think it's amazing for the children. The children are thriving and happy," she said, while acknowledging the difficulty of being separated from her stepsons. "Rio loves it so much... I know this decision is right for my younger children and as a family we are settled there."

Rio echoed these sentiments in a previous interview, calling the move a "refreshing new chapter" that has allowed him to be more present 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 said.

As Iranian missiles targeted locations across the Middle East, British nationals stranded in Dubai have described scenes of terror, with many forced to seek refuge in underground car parks and nightclubs.