Former football star Anton Ferdinand has been making waves on the ice as he competes in the show Dancing on Ice. The 39-year-old is no stranger to the world of football, having played for teams such as West Ham United, Sunderland, and QPR in the Premier League over a 16-year career. Since retiring from football in 2019, Ferdinand has embraced new challenges, including punditry roles with Sky Sports and talkSPORT, as well as appearing in a hit BBC documentary and reality TV.
In a recent interview, Ferdinand shared that one of the main reasons he decided to join Dancing on Ice was to challenge himself and find a new focus in his post-football life. He also mentioned that his daughter’s love for dance and performing arts played a significant role in his decision to participate in the show. Ferdinand, who reportedly has a net worth of around £4 million, is supported not only by his professional partner on the show but also by his loving family.
Ferdinand has been married to his wife Lucy since 2016, and the couple has three children together. While not much is known about Lucy, it is clear that family plays a crucial role in Ferdinand’s life, including his close relationship with his brother, former football star Rio Ferdinand. The two share a special bond, with Rio showing support for Anton during his Dancing on Ice debut.
One significant incident that rocked Ferdinand’s career was his clash with former Chelsea captain John Terry in 2011. During a match between QPR and Chelsea, Terry was caught on camera allegedly using a racist slur towards Ferdinand. This incident led to a series of events that had a lasting impact on both players, with Terry facing criminal charges and Ferdinand experiencing targeted abuse and harassment.
Reflecting on the incident, Ferdinand spoke about the challenges he faced and the toll it took on him and his family. Despite attempts to reconcile with Terry, Ferdinand struggled with not speaking out publicly about the issue at the time. The aftermath of the incident brought to light deeper issues of racism in football and the impact it can have on players both on and off the field.
Terry, on the other hand, has expressed regret over the handling of the situation and his attempts to reach out to Ferdinand. The incident highlighted the need for better communication and understanding in addressing issues of racism in sports. Both players have moved on in their respective careers, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting and addressing such issues in the sporting world.
As Ferdinand continues his journey on Dancing on Ice, he not only showcases his talents on the ice but also his resilience in the face of adversity. The support of his family and his dedication to new challenges demonstrate his strength and determination to succeed beyond the football pitch. The story of Anton Ferdinand serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by athletes both in sports and in their personal lives.