Rio Ferdinand has praised his girlfriend Kate Wright for “holding things together at home” while he’s been in Russia for the World Cup.
The retired footballer took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a couple of sweet photos of himself and Kate reuniting after being away from each other for the past few weeks.
Paying tribute to Kate, he thanked her for bringing “happiness” to his children – whom he has with his late wife Rebecca.
Read more: Rio Ferdinand’s kids want him to marry Kate Wright
The photos see the loved-up couple enjoying a glass of wine as they beam for the camera.
Alongside the post, Rio, 39, wrote: “Thank you for being this strong & wonderful woman you are while holding things together at home with the kids while I’ve been grafting.
“There would have been loads a smiles, laughs & tears between u all but already I can see the bond between you all is stronger.”
Gushing over Kate being a maternal figure to his kids, he added: “They are filled with happiness now, and a big part of that’s down to your love and hard work you put into them everyday.”
Rio is dad to his three children Tate, Tia and Lorenz, who lost their mum Rebecca to breast cancer in 2015.
Earlier this year, Rio opened up about the relationship Kate shares with his kids.
He told The Times Magazine in May: “My relationship with Kate has helped in that they have got a female in the house now.”
Rio added: “They run past me sometimes to go to her. I’ve had to go through a period of being very, very open, and men aren’t normally like that naturally.”
Shortly before, Kate appeared on ITV’s This Morning to discuss life as a step-mum to Rio’s children.
She said she thinks it’s vital for both her and Rio to include the kids in every part of their relationship.
The former TOWIE star said: “Everything, the kids were part of it, so it feels I wasn’t taking their dad away from them.”
She also said they always include Rebecca in the kids’ lives by celebrating her birthday, Mother’s Day and Christmas.
Kate gave up her TV career to focus on Rio and the kids.
For the past few weeks, Rio has been busying in Russia working as a pundit during the World Cup.
Earlier this month, Kate saw the perfect opportunity to tease her beau by sharing a bikini snap to her Instagram.
She jokingly captioned the post: “Sundays in the sun … p.s @rioferdy5 how’s Russia…”
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Rio commented: “Gotta get back asap… Just looking at flights now…
“I’m coming hoooooome I’m coming…”
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