Rio Ferdinand shares photo from hospital bed after missing Champions League tie

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has spoken of his regret at missing this week’s Champions League semi-finals after sharing a picture of himself in a hospital bed.

The 46-year-old took to social media on Wednesday ahead of Arsenal’s second leg with Paris St Germain in France 24 hours after the seven-goal thriller between Inter Milan and Barcelona to explain his absence as a TNT Sports pundit.

Ferdinand, who appears to be in good spirits, did not make the reason for his presence in hospital clear.

In a post on his X account which was accompanied by a photograph of him making a thumbs-up gesture, he wrote: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!! Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”

TNT responded with a message on their own X account which read: “Get well soon, Rio.”

Former West Ham and Leeds defender Ferdinand made 455 appearances and won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and a Club World Cup during a glittering 12-year spell at Old Trafford.