Just two years on from playing in a Champions League semi-final, former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue has taken up another sport entirely.
The 36-year-old, who also spent time in the Premier League with Watford, enjoyed a successful three-year spell in LaLiga with Villarreal.
Capoue played a total of 148 games for the Yellow Submarine, including 40 in all competitions last term but his contract with the club was not renewed and he has been a free agent since the summer.
But instead of finding another club in one of Europe’s top leagues or even further afield, the France international has reportedly joined a Spanish fourth-division basketball side.
According to Relevo, Capoue has is currently training with CB Jovens L’Eliana, who are based in Valencia. The commanding central midfielder even competed in recent friendly for the outfit, which they won.
Former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue enjoyed a successful three-year stint in LaLiga with Villarreal
The 36-year-old has been training with a fourth-division Spanish basketball team. Pictured: Capoue ( second from the left, back row)
The France international was playing in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool only two years ago
Capoue is known for his love of basketball and passionate support of the NBA. Unfortunately for the former Spurs man, he is yet to gain a license, which means he is unable to compete in official competition for the squad.
An Instagram post from the club’s account shows Capoue all smiles alongside his team-mates following the victory this week.
The midfielder had been linked with a return to English football with his former club Watford when his Villarreal contract expired over the summer. Capoue established himself at Vicarage Road during a five-and-a-half-year stay.
During his time with the club, he scored 14 goals in 181 games, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Following his departure from the side in 2021, Capoue went on to help Villarreal claim the Europa League later that season when they defeated Manchester United on penalties in the final.
The next season he faced English opposition once again but this time in the Champions League as Unai Emery’s side looked poised to claim a shock win over Liverpool in the semi-final.
Capoue’s most successful years in the Premier League came while he was at Watford
Capoue assisted Boulaye Dia’s opener before the Spanish side, through Francis Coquelin, grabbed another before the break to recover from a 2-0 first-leg deficit.
However, goals from Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane ensured the Reds progressed to the final in Paris.
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