Daniel Sturridge is in training with an eighth-tier English club as he looks to keep his fitness up whilst he finds his next career move.
The former Liverpool and England forward, now aged 31, is currently a free agent having left Turkish outfit Trabszonspor back in March earlier this year.
Sturridge was forced to serve a four-month ban from football after receiving charges related to betting, something that Marc McNulty could get having recently been arrested.
But now he has returned back to his home in Cheshire and is using the facilities of the Staffordshire-based eighth-tier side Kidsgrove Athletic.
He uploaded a video to Instagram on the non league side’s pitch alongside the caption: “Back at it bruh. The grind don’t stop!!!”
Kidsgrove chairman Mick Fitzjohn joked he has signed a 12-month deal with the club.
Reported by the Stoke Sentinel, he said: “Yes, he’s signed a 12-month contract.
“No, he’s coming down to keep himself fit and he’s working hard while he finds a new club.
“He comes down most days and he can let himself in. He lives locally and we don’t mind that. It’s a nice set-up.
“I’ve been down there painting but we haven’t chucked him a brush just yet to help out.”
Daniel Sturridge could be handed a Premier League lifeline with reports linking him with a move to Sheffield United, West Ham and Crystal Palace.
He has also been linked with signing for David Beckham’s new club Inter Miami, the MLS is something he seemingly isn’t too keen on as of yet however as he has his sights set on another shot in the English top flight.
Sturridge and he famous goal celebration appeared 24 times in the 2013-14 campaign as Liverpool narrowly missed out on becoming Premier League champions for the first time in the history, and he wasn’t part of the team that won it last summer.
The latter stages of his career has seen him pick up many an injury, and he’s only hit double figures once since then and that’s the 2015-16 season.
In the meantime, he’s watched his brother Leon Sturridge play football in the Potteries and North Staffordshire for teams including Leek Town, Leek CSOB, Hanley Town and Cobridge Community Centre.
Daniel recently told Sky Sports about reigniting his career: “We have options around the world but I’m an English player and I’ve always loved playing in the Premier League.
“I believe I’ve got a lot to give to the Premier League and I would say that’s my first choice. I do feel I have unfinished business so I would like to go back and play there.
“I’m open to playing in other leagues, it’s not just the Premier League I’m going to consider, but to come back to England and give my best would be a huge option for me.
“I’m very excited, I’m hungrier than ever and I’m totally focused on the next chapter.”
DANIEL STURRIDGE’S CAREER:
2006–2009 – Manchester City – 21 games (5 goals)
2009–2013 – Chelsea – 63 games (13 goals)
2011 → Bolton Wanderers (loan) – 12 games (8 goals)
2013–2019 – Liverpool – 116 games (50 goals)
2018 → West Bromwich Albion (loan) – 6 games (0 goals)
2019–2020 – Trabzonspor – 11 games (4 goals)
National team
2004–2005 – England U16 – 5 games (6 goals)
2005–2006 – England U17 – 9 games (7 goals)
2007 – England U18 – 1 game (2 goals)
2008 – England U19 – 3 games (1 goal)
2009 – England U20 – 1 game (1 goal)
2009–2011 – England U21 – 15 games (4 goals)
2011–2017 – England – 26 games (8 goals)
2012 – Great Britain – 5 games (2 goals)
Honours
Chelsea
Premier League: 2009–10
FA Cup: 2009–10, 2011–12
UEFA Champions League: 2011–12
Liverpool
UEFA Champions League: 2018–19
Football League Cup runner-up: 2015–16
UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2015–16
Trabzonspor
Turkish Cup: 2019–20
Individual
PFA Team of the Year: 2013–14 Premier League
UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2011
Premier League Player of the Month: August 2013, February 2014
Premier League Goal of the Month: September 2018
Fans reacted after finding out that Daniel Sturridge is in training with an eighth-tier English club…
He won’t go to Villa swear he’s an Albion fan
— Ben (@lorddivocklfc6) September 26, 2020
Either way he’s to good to be sat at home
— ??????? (@arran01) September 26, 2020
imagine his career if he wasn’t injury prone
— The Futbol Donny (@EzekielElijahJ1) September 26, 2020
Streets won’t forget
— Citrine ? (@bigdabby_) September 26, 2020
Daniel Sturridge remains without a club – but he’s back training at non-league Kidsgrove Athletic. Would you take him on a pay as you play deal maybe ??♂️ Only 31. #wba
— Andy Poole (@AndrewP66683304) September 25, 2020
See if you can baggsy @Nathaniel_Clyne too! #mightyreds
— Nick Jackson (@CDL_Nick) September 25, 2020
His attitude is horrendous
— Jay Smith (@jaysmith93) September 26, 2020
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