TNT Sports has announced who Rio Ferdinand will replace as part of the Punditry team of the broadcaster for the 2025-26 season.
Ferdinand had spent more than a decade on TNT, after he initially arrived under the BT Sport banner, but announced in May that he would leave at the end of the season.
The former defender of Manchester United has released a statement stating that he would leave to concentrate on his various business interests and thanked the broadcaster for the opportunities they had offered him.
Instead of Ferdinand, TNT Sport has set up in former Wales and Real Madrid wing player Gareth Bale according to a report from The Guardian.
Bale is said to have impressed TNT managers in May during the Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United.
The 36-year-old has signed a deal to serve as part of the coverage of the Premier League broadcaster and the Champions League during the coming campaign.
He will be accompanied by Punditry tasks by people like Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Steve McManaman and Karen Carney.
This season, TNT has the exclusive rights for 52 top matches, starting with the collision of Aston Villa with Newcastle on Saturday.
Bale called time on football career in 2023 after a short period in MLS with Los Angeles FC in which the team claimed their first MLS Cup title.
The five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid was also Wales captain on the World Cup 2022 after the country first eligible for the final since 1958.
When he announced his decision to leave TNT sports, Ferdinand said: 'After 10 incredible years, I made the difficult decision to get rid of TNT sports after the final of the Champions League.
'Since it is retiring from football, it has been a privilege about the game I have love to watch for sports fans for ten years who watch BT Sports and TNT sports.
'I want to recognize the enormous support of the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often becomes unseen, but has been essential for our success.
'For everyone at TNT Sports we have a brilliant end of the season to look forward to Saturday, and for now all the emphasis will be on what I think one of the big European finals could go.
'The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following the progress and the exciting future that lies for us.
'Finally, I want to thank my family and my management company New Era for their continuous support.
'They supported me to travel everywhere in Europe and to follow the best players and watch the best competitions. For a football fan like me it is a dream come true.
'While I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry countless memories.
'I am enthusiastic about what the future has in store, spending more time with my family, aimed at Rio Ferdinand -Gifts and my other business interests.
'I hope to stay in contact with you in different capacities. Thanks again for everything. '