Former Manchester United defender and current TNT Sports pundit, Rio Ferdinand, recently shared details about his health scare that led to him missing key football coverage. The incident has sparked concern among fans and fellow sports pundits alike.
Ferdinand was notably absent from TNT Sport’s Champions League and Europa League coverage last week. He was scheduled to work as a pundit on Arsenal’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain but could not make it due to his illness. His absence continued into Thursday when he missed Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao.
The former defender candidly admitted that at one point during his illness, he "thought the lights were out," indicating the severity of his condition.
A 'crazy' experience
In an open discussion about his ordeal, Ferdinand described it as a "crazy" experience marked by several concerning symptoms. Despite being unable to attend the European semi-final coverage in person, he revealed how he was "gutted" and kept up with every minute of the game via iPad.
Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United legend, said:
"I had a mad virus. I thought the lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously. I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn't even open my eyes.
"Then, the headache I had… I don't get migraines or nothing else so I don't know what they're like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out. Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn't know where I was. It was crazy.
"I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, ‘Do you want an ambulance?’ So that's when I knew. He went, 'We're going to get your brain scanned'. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts. I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn't even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders."
TNT Sports expressed their support for their colleague through their official account by replying: “Get well soon, Rio.”
Hospitalization due to sickness bug
According to reports from PA news agency, Ferdinand's hospitalization resulted from a sickness bug that also affected other members of his family. This unexpected turn of events has left many in shock given Ferdinand's otherwise robust health profile.
Ferdinand is known for bringing energy and passion into sports commentary. His commentary on Manchester United’s dramatic victory against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals went viral as fans appreciated his enthusiasm during the team's comeback in extra time. While this health scare has been a setback for both Ferdinand and TNT Sports' coverage team, fans are hopeful for his quick recovery and return to the punditry. His unique insights and engaging commentary style have been missed, and sports fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the screen.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and health. Even as we enjoy our favorite sports events, it's crucial to remember that those who bring these games closer to us also face their own personal battles off-screen. We wish Rio Ferdinand a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action soon.
