A FORMER England international has made a surprising move after signing with a third-tier side in the United Arab Emirates.
Former Newcastle cult hero Jonjo Shelvey made the bizarre free transfer to young outfit Arabian Falcons.
The 33-year-old most recently played for Burnley in the Championship last season, following a two-year spell abroad in Turkey.
The midfielder came through the youth system at Charlton before being snapped up by Liverpool in 2010.
He made six appearances for England between 2012 and 2015, across stints with the Reds, as well as Swansea City.
He wasted no time settling in at his new club, and made his debut yesterday in a 3-3 draw in the Falcons’ season opener.
He can be seen swinging in a dangerous corner that ended up being headed in by his new team-mates.
He even appeared to be wearing the captain’s armband in the video, released by the club.
He has donned the number 53 for his new team.
The side was founded just two years ago and plays in the UAE Second Division, the third tier of football beneath the First Division and the Pro League.
The club focuses on developing young talent, suggesting Shelvey may have been brought in to be an experienced mentor figure for his teammates.
Even the manager is younger than Shelvey, with English boss Harry Agombar being four months his junior.
Agombar had spells for Macclesfield Town and Swindon as a player, alongside several stints in non-league.
He is married to influencer and Wayne Lineker’s daughter Tia, making him Gary Lineker’s nephew-in-law.
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