The Sierra Leone National Team captain, Steven Caulker has revealed that he aims to be a football coach after his playing career.

The former Tottenham and QPR defender said the role would fit him perfectly especially given his battle with gambling.

“It started at the age of 15, but it wasn’t until the age of 19 that it really had a grip on me. You go through stages and at 15, it was probably the early stages when it was just beginning,” he said to ESPN.

He added that he regretted his decision in his early days of his career and vowed not repeat such as a manager.

The Leone Stars captain said he feels sad at times when he realizes that he did not maximise opportunities he had as a young player playing for Tottenham and Liverpool.

Caulker went on to make over 120 appearances in the Premier League but was released by QPR and since then failed to play in the League.

The 31-year-old went into rehab and later  went to Turkey where he played for several Super Lig clubs.

His revitalised performance attracted the attention of Sierra Leone, a country his paternal grandfather came from.

Caulker represented Sierra Leone in the 2021 AfCON in Cameroon and was made captain four months later.

“Playing for Sierra Leone, I’m a different person today, so I’m able to sort of embrace what’s in front of me and really enjoy the moment. I thought AFCON was incredible – just such an incredible experience for me to be a part of. Now, as captain, I’m working really hard to get us back to the next AFCON,” he said.

Caulker has one cap and a goal for England against Sweden after converting a set piece from Steven Gerard.