The new football season has begun and TNT Sports will be without Rio Ferdinand for the first time in a decade.
The Manchester United player stepped back from presenting on the broadcaster to focus on his own business interests, which includes his popular Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
The Community Shield on Sunday will be broadcast on TNT Sports this year after a surprise switch from free-to-air channel ITV.
talkSPORT will also be bringing you free live commentary from Wembley.
It sees Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.
Former Eagles legend Joel Ward, who is currently a free agent, has been named as a pundit for the clash.
Ward left the club this summer after making 363 appearances, culminating in the FA Cup victory, which was the first major trophy in the club’s history.
Also reported to be on the line-up will be Steve McManaman, Joe Cole, Michail Antonio, and Fara Williams.
Therefore, there will be no Ferdinand on the coverage as TNT starts their new season.
Why did Rio Ferdinand quit TNT Sports?
Upon announcing his decision, Ferdinand said: “After 10 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.
“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success.
“To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.
“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support.
“They have supported me to travel all over the Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true.
“As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.
“I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.
“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”
Community Shield build-up
Tributes will be paid to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday, after he was tragically killed.
The Portugal international, who helped the Reds to the Premier League title last season, was killed in a car crash earlier this summer at the age of 28.
Arne Slot has called it a ‘good challenge’ for his side ahead of their Premier League campaign getting underway on Friday against Bournemouth.
Slot has been busy strengthening a squad that won the league by 10 points last term by spending the best part of £300million on midfielder Florian Wirtz, forward Hugo Ekitike, left-back Milos Kerkez, right-back Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with more incomings possible.
After a pre-season campaign in which they have faced Preston, Stoke, AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Bilbao, Sunday’s trip to Wembley will be their first meeting with Premier League opposition since Palace held Slot’s men to a 1-1 draw on the final day of last season.
Meanwhile, it has been a quiet summer for Palace with Borna Sosa coming in for around £3m, while goalkeeper Walter Benitez joined on a free transfer.