Ex-Liverpool and Everton star Abel Xavier

[Hukido]

Fomer Liverpool and Everton defender star Abel Xavier has quit football, converted to Islam and changed his name.

The Portugal star now wants to go by the name of Faisal Xavier and will embark on humanitarian projects after failing to find a club.

He last played for LA Galaxy in 2008 and he has now decided to give up on his career.
Xavier, 37, joined Liverpool from Everton in 2002 and scored twice in 21 appearances for the club.


He also played in two spells for Middlesbrough, the second in 2006 after serving a one-year ban for failing a drugs test.

He moved to Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy to play out the final games of his career alongside David Beckham.

Xavier said: 'It's an emotional goodbye and I hope to participate in something very satisfying in a new stage of my life.

'In moments of grief, I have found comfort in Islam. Slowly, I learned a religion that professes peace, equality, freedom and hope. These are foundations with which I identify.'

Read more: Ex-Liverpool and Everton star Abel Xavier converts to Islam and quits football at 37 | Mail Online

Welcome to the club bro

[Redbullsnation]

who he thinks he is Chad Johnson

[uggla]

wont change the fact he was useless at playing football lol

[Ben2710]

Always thought he was a freak and still do Bin Laden must have given him a better contract haha

[Hukido]

wont change the fact he was useless at playing football lol

Did he always have his hair dyed blonde?

[tottenham28]

Still a Knobhead then........

[Berisha]

Not a good player but was fun to watch me liked him.

[uggla]

Did he always have his hair dyed blonde?

yep looked a *wat

[BaLLa]

Damn its a shame when useless drug addicts that cant play football quit and change their name....

ah well lol

[Alvy]

wont change the fact he was useless at playing football lol

Beg to differ. He was quite useful... for France, at least. Thanks to his left hand, they own him Euro 2000.

In fifteen years playing football, I can only remember one good game from him. Back in 1994. Cup Winners' Cup, against Bayer Leverkusen. Draw (4-4). Benfica advanced to the semis. Abel Xavier scored our first goal. And, what a goal. Benfica-Leverkusen. But, from that day on, pure disgrace.