Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he was not looking for another relationship or more children when he first met his now-wife, Kate. Ferdinand, 47, shared that he had made up his mind about not having more children and was not seeking a relationship at the time.
During an episode of Kate's podcast, 'Blended,' the couple discussed their initial meeting in late 2016. Kate questioned Rio, asking if he had wanted more children when they met. Rio responded, "I'd made my mind up. When I met you I had three kids, didn't even want a relationship let alone kids."
Ferdinand explained that while he had initially decided against further relationships or children, his feelings for Kate led him to change his perspective. "But you then adapt to the circumstances, and so okay, yeah, we're now seeing each other, we're in love," he stated. He acknowledged that Kate, being younger, desired children of her own, and his love for her ultimately influenced his decision. "And I wouldn't change it. Something that drives you to making that decision and changing your mind is that look at what she's putting herself through for me and the kids, and I'm gonna go. I can't. Nah. I can't. I couldn't do that."
The couple also touched on the difficulties of pregnancy. Rio described Kate as becoming a "different human being" during that time, with everything feeling like an overreaction. Kate admitted she did not enjoy being pregnant and felt she didn't recognize herself.
Rio Ferdinand and Kate began dating in 2017, two years after the death of Rio's first wife, Rebecca, who passed away in 2015. They are co-parents to Rio's three children from his previous marriage: Lorenz, 20, Tate, 17, and Tia, 15. Together, Rio and Kate have two children: daughter Shae, 2, and son Cree, 5.
Earlier in the month, the couple reunited after a six-week separation when Rio was working in the U.S. for the World Cup. Kate shared an emotional video of the reunion, expressing how much the family had missed him. She had previously documented the challenges of solo parenting while Rio was away, sharing their efforts to stay occupied and a countdown chart for his return.