Rio Ferdinand refuses to discuss new romance with Kate Wright as he vows to protect his three children

RIO Ferdinand has refused to discuss his new romance with Kate Wright by declaring there is "no right time" to move on following the death of his wife.

The widowed dad of three declared he wants to protect his children and vowed never to speak about his relationships.

Rio's wife Rebecca died of cancer two years ago and he was left to raise the kids as a single dad.

The Manchester United legend, 38, has since moved on by striking up a romance with Towie beauty Kate, 25, but he refused to answer questions about the TV star during an interview on BBC Radio 5 today.

Rio, who has made a documentary about life as a single dad, chatted to host Emma Barnett about the difficulties of finding love again two years on from the tragedy, and he vowed not to discuss his relationships for the sake of his kids.

When asked about rumours he is dating Kate, he said: "That's disappointing... protecting my children is always the biggest thing for me.

"And that's what I'm fearful of with things being in the press.

"But the documentary has taught me there isn't a right time for anything like that, for if you're going to move on in a relationship.

"There is no right time.

"The only person who knows the right time is the person in those shoes.

"I've never spoken about my relationships in the past, in the public eye, and I'm not going to start talking about relationships or potential relationships that people are reporting on."

The Sun revealed this month how reality star Kate had enjoyed a series of secret dates with the former footballer after they met in Dubai.

He was also spotted leaving her home in Essex after meeting up.

Rio’s friends are said to be overjoyed that the romance between the pair 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.

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