Just two years after playing in the Champions League semi-finals, former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue has turned his attention to a completely different sport.
The 36-year-old, who also played for Watford in the Premier League, played successfully in La Liga for three years with Villarreal.
Capoue made a total of 148 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, including 40 in all competitions last season. However, 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 the top European leagues or even further afield, the France international is said to have joined a Spanish basketball club playing in the fourth division.
According to RelevoCapoue is currently training with Valencia-based CB Jovens L’Eliana. The dominant central midfielder even featured in a recent friendly for the club, which they won.
Former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue enjoyed a successful three-year spell in LaLiga with Villarreal
The 36-year-old trains with a Spanish fourth division basketball team. Pictured: Capoue (second from left, back row)
The France international played in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool just two years ago
Capoue is known for his love of basketball and his passionate support of the NBA. Unfortunately for the former Spurs player, he is not yet licensed, meaning he cannot participate in official competition for the team.
An Instagram post from the club account shows Capoue happily walking around with his teammates after this week’s victory.
The midfielder was linked with a return to English football with his former club Watford when his contract with Villarreal expired last summer. Capoue settled at Vicarage Road during 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. After leaving the side 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 he faced English opponents again, this time in the Champions League, with Unai Emery’s team looking set for a surprise semi-final victory over Liverpool.
Capoue’s most successful years in the Premier League were when he played for Watford
Capoue provided the assist for Boulaye Dia’s opening goal, after which the Spanish team scored another goal before half-time via Francis Coquelin, coming back from a 2-0 deficit in the first leg.
However, goals from Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mané ensured that the Reds progressed to the final in Paris.
