Rio Ferdinand's TNT Sports farewell in full as Laura Woods bids emotional goodbye

Rio Ferdinand expressed his gratitude to the TNT Sports team as he brought the curtain down on his time with the channel following the final. The former defender watched on as a pundit for the broadcaster for the final time as .

Ferdinand that his would see him step away from a hectic schedule. The ex-England international spent a decade travelling as part of the BT Sport and then TNT team covering and European action, and plans to spend more time with his family.

Ferdinand will also , on which he produces podcasts and conducts interviews. ' Presents' has more than 1.3 million subscribers on

In the build up to PSG's victory, presenter Laura Woods offered a nod to it being a poignant night for her colleague. The TNT star offered a moment for Ferdinand to reflect.

She asked him on air: "Rio, you've just been taking it all in, haven't you?'

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"Yeah, I have," he replied. "I've been in the city for three days now. It's been a bit of a lads' tour. We've been loving it."

And Ferdinand went on to deliver a gracious speech, paying tribute to those he'd worked with on and off he camera. "I just want to say thank you to everybody that I've worked with," he said.

"My job was made a lot easier by the great people and friends that I have worked with and will remain friends for many years.

"As important as the people you see on the screen are the people behind the screen that do all the jobs to get us here and enable us to put our best foot forward are all appreciated. Again, thank you to everybody who has been a part of it."

Fellow TNT pundit asked if his former team-mate was now going to have a cold beer, Ferdinand replied: "All the beers are on me!"

Ferdinand and TNT Sports remain on good terms and it may not be the last time he appears for the broadcaster. The channel will take over rights next season, and there may still be opportunities for him to appear as a special guest.

Woods paid a final tribute to Ferdinand before signing off. "From us here at TNT Sport, to you. That is it for your career here, for now," she said.

"Can I just say on behalf of all of us - including everyone behind the camera - you've been an absolute pleasure. And personally since I joined, you've been so incredibly welcoming. You'll be sorely, sorely missed."

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