Former Tottenham Hotspur and Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue has made a surprising shift in his career, stepping away from professional football to pursue a long-held dream. The 36-year-old Frenchman, who was recently without a club after parting ways with Villarreal this summer, has now turned his attention to basketball, fulfilling a passion he has harbored since childhood.
Capoue had a distinguished football career, particularly in England, where he spent nearly a decade. He initially joined Former Tottenham star announces shock career change after being left without a club and says it’s always been his dream Hotspur in 2013 from Toulouse in a deal reportedly worth £9.3 million. This transfer was part of Tottenham’s efforts to rebuild following the high-profile departure of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. As a defensive midfielder, Capoue featured in 36 matches for Spurs over two seasons, scoring two goals across all competitions.
In the summer of 2015, Capoue transferred to Watford, where he truly established himself in English football. Over five and a half seasons with the Hornets, the first five of which were in the Premier League, Capoue became a key player for the club. He made 181 appearances and scored 14 goals, earning a reputation as a solid and reliable midfielder.
In January 2021, Capoue decided to leave English football for Spain, signing with Villarreal. His time at Villarreal was fruitful, highlighted by winning the UEFA Europa League. Capoue played a crucial role in the final, where Villarreal triumphed over Manchester United in a dramatic penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1. His performances earned him further respect, and he went on to make 148 appearances for the Spanish side, scoring 12 goals, before his release this summer.
Former Tottenham Although many expected Capoue to continue his football career elsewhere, he has opted for a different path. Recently, he has been linked with the Spanish third-division basketball team CB Jovens L’Eliana, based in Valencia. While Capoue is not yet officially registered to play in competitive games, he has been training with the team and participating in friendlies. This move represents the realization of a dream that Capoue has nurtured for many years.
Former Tottenham Midfielder Etienne Capoue Swaps Football for Basketball Fulfilling Childhood Dream
Speaking last year in an interview with Revelo, Capoue revealed his deep admiration for basketball and his childhood dream of playing in the NBA. He said: “My dream as a child was to play NBA basketball. That was my dream. But it’s still my dream, eh? I don’t know… If something happens in life, I want to sign and play. One minute, I don’t care, but I want to put my feet on the court and shoot.”
Though his football career spanned nearly two decades and saw him play at the highest levels of the sport, Capoue’s decision to switch to basketball underscores the enduring power of childhood aspirations. It remains to be seen how far he will go in his basketball journey, but for Capoue, this transition represents more than just a career change—it’s the pursuit of a lifelong passion.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue has taken an unexpected turn in his career, stepping away from the world of professional football to pursue a passion that has been with him since childhood. The 36-year-old former France international, who found himself without a club after leaving Villarreal this summer, has decided to focus on basketball, a sport he has long admired and dreamed of playing.
Capoue’s professional football career spanned almost two decades, during which he made a significant impact in both English and Spanish football. He first came to the Premier League in 2013, when Tottenham Hotspur signed him from French club Toulouse for a reported £9.3 million. This transfer came at a pivotal time for Tottenham, as they were reinvesting following the high-profile sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. Capoue, a defensive midfielder known for his physicality and tactical intelligence, was seen as a key part of Tottenham’s rebuilding efforts.
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