Rio Ferdinand was given a fitting farewell by co-host and friend Laura Woods after his last match as a TNT Sports pundit.
The Manchester United legend signed off from his role with the broadcaster after a decade as one of their key figures.
He did so on the grandest of stages, the Champions League final, covering Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
It was the biggest ever victory in the final, and Paris’ first, meaning TNT’s team had to be on their best behaviour to cover the biggest game in club football.
Yet pre-kick-off there was an amusing exchange between Woods and Ferdinand which she later posted on Instagram.
The former talkSPORT Breakfast host was seen rehearsing her introduction of the final when a familiar figure walked in front of the camera.
“PSG going for their first Champions League title, could they do it? Let’s find out in the company of… f***ing hell Rio,” she said before cracking up.
“That was going to be some of my best work… oh he’s back!”
Ferdinand was unaware he’d ruined Woods’ practice run and then while passing in front of the camera again he finally clocked it.
“Oh are you doing it? Sorry s**t!” he said.
Woods finished by saying: “I wish that was live,” and later made sure it was by uploading the clip to her 740,000 followers.
She then added the caption: “We’ll miss you, Rio (excuse the language!)”
Woods also gave a more heartfelt goodbye live on TNT saying: “Can I just say on behalf of everybody behind the camera and everyone that you’ve worked with that you’ve just been an absolute pleasrue.
“Personally since I’ve joined you’ve been so incredibly welcoming and you’ll be sorely, sorely missed. Really missed.
“Whatever you do next you’re going to smash it, just like you did here.
Ferdinand previously announced his departure, saying: “After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.
“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success.
“To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.
“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support.
“They have supported me to travel all over Europe, following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true.
“As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.
“I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.
“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”
One of the UK’s most prominent pundits since his retirement as a player in 2015.
He hosts a successful YouTube and podcast series, while the 46-year-old also recently experienced a health scare that kept him out of PSG’s semi-final win over Arsenal.
