Just two years after playing in a Champions League semi-final, former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue has taken up another sport entirely.
The 36-year-old, who also had spells in the Premier League with Watford, enjoyed a successful three-year spell in La Liga with Villarreal.
Capoue made a total of 148 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, including 40 in all competitions last season, 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 French international is said to have joined a Spanish fourth-division basketball team.
According to RelevoCapoue is currently training with Valencia-based CB Jovens L’Eliana. The imposing midfielder even played a recent friendly with the team, which they won.
Former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue enjoyed a successful three-year spell in LaLiga with Villarreal
The 36-year-old has been training with a Spanish fourth division basketball team. Pictured: Capoue (second from left, back row)
The French international played in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool just two years ago.
Capoue is known for his love of basketball and his fervent support of the NBA. Unfortunately for the former Spurs player, he has not yet obtained a license, meaning he cannot compete in official competitions for the team.
An Instagram post from the club’s account shows Capoue smiling alongside his teammates following this week’s win.
The midfielder had been linked with a return to English football with his former club Watford when his contract with Villarreal expired in the summer. Capoue settled at Vicarage Road for a five-and-a-half-year stay.
During his time at the club, he scored 14 goals in 181 games and quickly became a fan favourite. Following his departure from the team in 2021, Capoue helped Villarreal win the Europa League later that season, when they defeated Manchester United on penalties in the final.
The following season they faced English opposition again, but this time in the Champions League, and Unai Emery’s side looked set for a shock semi-final win over Liverpool.
Capoue’s most successful years in the Premier League came when he was at Watford.
Capoue set up Boulaye Dia to open the scoring 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’ passage to the final in Paris.
