Rio Ferdinand reveals how he turned to alcohol after death of his wife – and could ‘understand’ why people commit suicide

RIO FERDINAND has told how he turned to drink after the death of his wife - and admitted he could 'understand' why people commit suicide.

The former Manchester United and England defender was left as a lone parent to Lorenz, ten, Tate, eight, and Tia, five, when partner Rebecca lost a cancer battle two years ago.

Now the Premier League star has opened up for the first time about his loss, saying: "You realise playing football was a f***ing walk in the park compared to telling your kids their mum isn’t coming back.

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"I’ve never had to do something so hard, so emotionally draining and testing.

"At the time you think, ‘I’m coping.’ You’re sitting there, the kids are in bed, you can’t sleep, but you don’t want to think about anything.

"That’s when the problems start. I never understood suicide.

"Then you sit there and you can understand how people get that low. It’s a lonely dark place.

"I can easily see why you just slip over that edge.”

Ferdinand, 38, is making a one-off documentary about how men cope as a single parent for the BBC, which is due to be aired in spring.

He is thought to have found love again having been pictured leaving the house of Towie's Kate Wright ten days ago.

Rio’s friends are said to be overjoyed that the romance with Kate, which began when they met while both holidaying in Dubai, appears to be blossoming.

A source said: “Rio went through hell when Rebecca died and he has been grieving for her for a long time, all while caring for their children.

“At times he has been to some very dark places.

“But he has pulled himself through and is now a great mum and dad, just as Rebecca said he would be.

“For a long time he couldn’t even think about the idea of another relationship.

“And he can’t bring himself to take off his wedding ring.

“But those closest to him are pleased to see him slowly getting closer to Kate. After everything he’s been through, he deserves to find some happiness.”