One-cap former England star, 32, appointed player-manager of Spanish fifth tier side in ‘incredible coup’

FORMER ENGLAND star Steven Caulker has completed a shock transfer to a lower-league Spanish side.

The defender inked a surprise deal with Spanish FIFTH DIVISION side FC Malaga City earlier this week.

3

3

The 32-year-old centre-back - who later won 13 caps for Sierra Leone - has penned a player-manager deal at the Our Almunecar & Nerja Campus, which the club announced on Christmas Eve.

A statement read: "On a historic day for FC Malaga City, we are beyond proud to announce the signing of former Premier League player as well as England and Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker!

"Following an illustrious playing career including the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, and Fenerbahce the Premier League veteran has been signed to a Player/Joint Head Coach role.

"And [he] has already met and began to intergrate his influence into the first team squad and will be a huge mentor across the academy from 2024.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

HULL OF A GOAL

I'm an ex-Prem star who joined Hull - now I'm going for the Ballon d'Or

POWER UP

Get £40 in free football Bet Builder bets when you stake £10 with Paddy Power

"We could not be more excited to have a player/coach of his calibre and experience here with us in Spain.

"This incredible coup is a statement of what the club has achieved and our ambitious plans as we move into our 10-year anniversary!

"Bienvenido a Espana, Steven!"

Footie fans were quick to comment on the shock new chapter of the former Tottenham and Liverpool defender's career.

Most read in Sport

EMOTIONS RUN HIGH

Littler reveals why he broke down in tears after World Championship win

OWEN GOAL

'Hang your heads in shame' fumes Michael Owen as he hits out at Aston Villa fans

WAT-ER DISASTER

Old Trafford starts leaking midway through Amorim's press conference

MAN UTD 0 BOURNEMOUTH 3

Amorim's worst day since joining as Prem season doomed by Christmas

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

3

One said: "Top Player."

Another said: "Congratulations legend."

And another said: "Best wishes bld."

One remarked: "Congratulations."

Another chimed in: "Congratulations best of wishes in your new club."

Caulker was a free agent prior to inking his deal with Malaga City, who are in 13th place in the Tercera Division table.

He was most recently plying his trade in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, who handed him a six-month contract in January.

Caulker and his Malaga City troops will be back in action on Sunday week, travelling to the Municipal Juan Rojas to take on UD Almeria B.