Beloved Italian restaurant co-owned by Rio Ferdinand closes down for good with staff ‘turned away at the door’

AN ITALIAN restaurant co-owned by Rio Ferdinand has “closed its doors for good” after a final service yesterday.

Rosso, which is the Italian word for red, was first opened in Manchester by the former United defender, 44, in 2009.

A worker is said to have arrived at the venue this morning and was told the restaurant was now permanently closed.

The has reportedly said it will not be continuing its lease on the King Street property.

Rosso was located in 42 Spring Gardens, which is part of a portfolio run by Wilmslow-based Dean Property Group.

The signage at the entrance also appears to have been removed.

Rio, along with investors, opened the restaurant in the Grade-II listed former bank building at the top of Manchester’s King Street.

The restaurant quickly became the playground of the rich and famous, with United Christmas parties held there.

One Direction’s Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson hailed it as their favourite restaurant in Manchester.

Rosso is owned by The Italian Food Company whose shareholders are Nurez Kamani, Suleman Kamani and Rio Ferdinand.

The business is registered at The Pinnacle, a building just down the road from the venue on King Street.

According to documents filed with Companies House, Nurez holds 50 shares in the firm, while Suleman and Rio hold 25 each.

The venue and its name was originally a nod to Rio’s United colours, with the interiors a mix of greys, blacks and reds.

Photos of the hundreds of celebrities who visited used to adorn the walls, before a refurbishment in 2017 gave the restaurant a new understated white and gold styling.

A Twitter post read: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our Rosso Restaurant & Bar.

“Last night, after nearly 14 years, we were delighted to hold a final service for our wonderful customers.”