Albert Riera's Contract Cancelled Because Of Poker Tournament

It seems that Albert Riera, a famous Spanish football player, loves poker more than football matches. One could say that he has chosen his priorities when he decided to leave for a poker tournament in Slovenia instead of playing a match against Chievo Verona. Perhaps Riera is looking to change his career and become a professional poker player?

Riera signed a contract with Liverpool back in 2008. He was suspended because of an insulting interview on Spanish radio. He criticized his former manager Benitez and insulted Liverpool players and fans, claiming that Liverpool was a sinking ship. That for sure left him in big trouble.

After Liverpool, Riera’s next contract was with the Greek club Olympiacos. In 2011, he joined the Turkish club Galatasaray. In 2014, he left the club after he agreed to terminate his contract for the compensation of 750 000. He continued his career by joining clubs where he seemingly didn't stay too long.

The 32-year-old Riera signed a pre-contract with Italian club Udinese on 24 March 2014. He actually didn't play in any matches for this Italian club because he joined the Football League Championship Watford until the end of the season.

Udinese had a football match against Chievo Verona on 29 November, but without their left winger Riera. The Spanish football player was busy attending a poker tournament in Slovenia. Who would want to play a football match when you can gamble legally in Slovenia? The poker tournament finished excellent for the former Liverpool player as he claimed second place and a $4,700 prize. Riera’s lucky day didn't last for too long, though. Unfortunately, but expectedly, he lost his football job.

Riera is no longer a left winger for Udinese. The club announced that Albert Ortega Riera’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent. Udinese had best wishes for Riera’s future career and did not say anything insulting to Riera regarding his decision to choose poker over football.

Riera was not satisfied with their decision and his anger got the better of him, resulting in the posting of a tweet about how Udinese was the worst club he ever played for.

The Spanish football player is still young and has time to find himself another club to play for. Until he finds a team, he can practice and play poker as much as he wants while having no fears of getting fired.