Rio Ferdinand has opened up about life as a dad and admits he has a “strict” side to him.
The defender, who captained both England and Manchester United, is ‘hands-on’ with his four kids.
The star has Lorenz, 14, Tate, 12, and Tia, 10, who he shared with his late wife Rebecca Ellison.
The footballer also has Cree, six months, who he shares with his wife Kate.
The 42-year-old told The Sun he tries to find the perfect balance between firm and fair at home.
He said: “Yeah I am quite strict. I think it’s finding the balance really. You’ve got to be strict, but you’ve got to allow the kids to have a good time and enjoy themselves, within reason.
(Image: Instagram)
“When it comes to things like snacks, it’s doing it at the right time and controlling the amounts when they’re young kids. My kids are good like that, we’ve got them into a good routine.
“When we watch football or watch a movie, that’s our snack time and we love it.”
Kate, former TOWIE star, gave birth to the couple’s first child together back in December.
(Image: xkateferdinand/Instagram)
As lockdown forced people to stay inside, Rio was able to spend lots of time with his baby son.
He admits he is “hands-on” and doesn’t mind changing dirty nappies and doing bath time.
The former footy pro adds he doesn’t think age is an important factor when it comes to parenting and raising a family.
He went on to say that having a “lockdown baby” was different but really enjoyable.
(Image: rioferdy5/Instagram)
The star confesses he’s not thinking about having any more children just yet and is focusing on little Cree in the meantime.
He joins other footballers who have added to their brood after leaving the game, like Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch, and Jamie Redknapp.
Rio won six Premier League titles with Manchester United, the Champions League, two League Cups, four Community Shields as well as the Fifa Club World Cup.
He also had been selected to captain England at the 2010 World Cup before a knee injury ruled him out.
His sons Tate and Lorenz are both keen footballers but dad Rio isn’t putting pressure on them to follow in his footsteps.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
