UFC legend Khabib willing to ‘accept’ playing offer from football clubs as retired MMA star open to career change at 32
RETIRED UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed he’s open to accepting an offer to play professional football.
The undefeated Russian is an avid lover of the beautiful game, which he’s been playing regularly since his retirement last October.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
And The Eagle is willing to ‘accept’ any ‘interesting’ offers that come his way from teams keen on signing him.
During a Q&A on his official Facebook page, Nurmagomedov said: “A lot of football clubs, they offer me [a contract].
“But I have to, a little bit, become football shape. Because football shape is a little bit different than MMA [shape].
“When you have to fight in MMA and you have to play in football, this are two different [things].
“But I don’t know [if I’ll play professionally. If some clubs offer me [a deal] and they make me an interesting [offer], I’m going to accept this.”
Nurmagomedov – who retired from MMA with a perfect 29-0 record – has long dreamed about being a professional footballer.
EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Group kings: 30/1 on England to qualify for the knockouts
Opening game: England 35/1 to beat Croatia- Shirt deal: England 20/1 to wear white home shirt
- Sharp shooters: 40/1 England to have 2+ shots on target v Croatia
- Bet builder: 88/1 tip for England vs Croatia
He told Match TV: “To play football on a professional level is a childhood dream. Of course, I have such a wish. Football is the king of sports after all.
“Who haven’t I discussed this with! I’ve spoken even with the UEFA president Aleskandr Ceferin, with the owner of PSG, yes and even with Cristiano Ronaldo.
He added: “My dream club is Real Madrid.
“In fact, the first match I remember watching the full 90 minutes, was Real vs Juventus in 1998 [Champions League final].
“I remember Mijatovic scored from an offside position, but we still won.”
WIN £50,000 with Dream Team Euros
Dream Team Euros is HERE!
The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
Dream Team Euros
- £50,000 jackpot
- The best fantasy football game this summer
- Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
- FREE to play
Most read in MMA
The footy-mad Nurmagomedov recently shared a video of himself scoring a goal during a light-hearted match with his friends.
And the die-hard Real Madrid fan celebrated the goal with Brazilian legend Ronaldo’s trademark celebration, wagging his finger up and down as he ran past the camera.
Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA last October immediately after his second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
The Dagestani destroyer brought the curtain down on his legendary career three months after the passing of his father and head coach, Abdulmanap.
Nurmagomedov briefly flirted with the prospect of returning to the cage in January but ultimately ended up snubbing Dana White‘s multiple attempts to convince him to fight again.