Rio Ferdinand’s Rosso restaurant in Manchester closes permanently as the Italian dinery once frequented by footballers, A-list celebrities and Erling Haaland (in his pyjamas!) shuts its doors after 14 years

Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant ‘Rosso’ in central Manchester has made the surprising decision to close its doors for good.

The Italian restaurant once frequented by Manchester United stars, One Direction duo Harry Styles and Liam Tomlinson, and a host of A-list celebrities, will no longer be trading.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was one of the more recent high-profile stars to dine at Rosso as he enjoyed a luxury meal dressed in £1,100 designer pajamas.

The last service took place on Sunday 17 September, with the decision to close permanently appearing to be a sudden move with no prior warning to guests wishing to book.

Ferdinand opened the stylish Italian restaurant with other investors in 2009, while he was still a crucial cog in Manchester United’s series title-winning machine and helped transform Rosso’s into one of the city’s most popular eateries.

Ferdinand has so far kept quiet after the decision was announced to close the Italian eatery

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was one of Rosso’s more recent high-profile guests as he dined wearing a £1,100 pajama shirt

United were set to host Christmas parties at the luxurious former bank building at the top of the city’s King Street, while other celebrities began booking tables at the upcoming venue.

The venue had one of the most extensive Italian menus in the city, with a standard three-course meal expected to cost around £50 depending on meal choice.

Ferdinand has so far kept quiet about the restaurant’s closure, but a statement published on Rosso’s Twitter account on Monday read: ‘It is with mixed feelings that we announce the closure of Rosso Restaurant and Bar.

‘Last night (Sunday) we were pleased to hold a final service for our wonderful customers after almost 14 years.

The restaurant has been popular with a host of celebrities over the years, with Tommy Fury (left) previously visiting for an evening meal

Ferdinand (second from left) and his former Man United teammates visited Rosso for Christmas parties

Ferdinand (left) once kept the restaurant open until the early morning hours for One Direction star Harry Styles (right)

‘It was not an easy decision to close this wonderful restaurant, which has become an icon of Manchester’s dining and social scene. It feels like the right time to go out at the height of our popularity and look ahead to new horizons.

“Rosso would not be the same without our wider family, suppliers and our wonderful customers who we have the enviable pleasure of serving.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to our Champions League-winning staff, both past and present. Our thanks go to everyone who has made Rosso what we are today.

“We always believed we should end Rosso on a high and we thank you all for being part of our championship team.”