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Rio Ferdinand has opted to leave the UK to instead live in Dubai and he claims tax payers will be asking themselves whether their money is actually adding any benefit to their lives. The ex- Manchester United star chose to up sticks and head to the United Arab Emirates and has claimed that the way the Government are using tax payers money and the continued struggles of the NHS were among his motivations to leave. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £40billion tax rises on businesses in the Budget last year and she has indicated she will break Labour’s manifesto promise and raise income tax at this month’s Budget, claiming that voters would “all have to contribute” to repair Britain’s finances. Ferdinand left the UK in August and, despite not having to pay tax in his new home, he claimed that the people would be willing to stomach paying it in the UK if the Government were on top of things - but doesn't believe they are. He told LBC : "If there were things like the health service and what not, and they were flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn't mind paying tax. "But when things are falling apart, going wrong, you did sit there and go 'well I'm paying all this tax, but is it really going towards thew things that benefit the people that live here'. And that's the big question that needs answering - and I think a lot of us know the answer to that." The 46-year-old, who left his punditry role with TNT Sports last season, has also claimed he gets more family time since making the move. “My family is 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. “I love England and I’m a patriotic guy in that sense, but a new journey, a new chapter, something different, I think is a refreshing new chapter in my life.” Ferdinand and his partner, Kate, are enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Dubai. Kate previously gave a glimpse of their £6.5million mansion on Instagram , which is located in the luxurious gated community of Al Barari. It is believed that the property boasts seven bedrooms, a family pool, and a rooftop terrace with coastal views and a home cinema. Prior to their move, Ferdinand and his wife lived in a multi-million pound home in Bromley, South East London, but often travelled to Dubai on family holidays. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
