FORMER La Liga star Koke has admitted he could be killed at any time after being jailed for drug trafficking.
The ex-Malaga, Marseille and Sporting Lisbon striker received a six-year prison term from a Spanish court in May.
AFPFormer Marseille and Malaga striker Koke has said he could be killed ‘very quickly’ after he was jailed for drug trafficking[/caption]
AFPThe former pro has been sentenced to prison until 2027[/caption]
Koke was found guilty of heading a 30-strong gang that smuggled mainly cannabis, but also cocaine.
The 40-year old, whose real name is Sergio Contreras, has already spent some time in prison.
However he is currently being allowed to stay at his home in Marbella.
The much-travelled striker also played for Greek side Aris and clubs in the US, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bolivia and India.
Koke turned to crime after retiring from football in 2016 following a second spell with Aris.
He told Canal Plus: “As a footballer I had the chance to earn a lot of money. I was on around £800,000 a year.
“But in the ‘other’ business I would make in two months what I earned in a year playing football.
“However, you put your life at risk.
“In France you can get killed very quickly in the world of trafficking drugs.
“Here in Spain I could get killed as well, although I am not scared.
Koke finished his career at Greek outfit ArisRex
“I have contacts everywhere, but don’t get me wrong – I am no Pablo Escobar!
“This was not a way that I chose, but something that I found in my life.
“When people hear me described as an ‘international trafficker’ they think: ‘F****** hell, what has he done?’
“Life is complicated for me right now. I am awaiting to go back into prison.
“I have to pay for the stupid things I have done, and to be finished with all of this as soon as possible.
“There is an open prison system in Spain for people who have been playing silly b*****s.
“I will go back to jail. I don’t know for how long, but I have a sentence until 2027.
“There were lots of French people in the prison, including some from Marseilles.
“I saw lots of Marseille football shirts in the jail!”
AFPKoke has seen Marseille shirts in prison – he played for the club between 2004 and 2006[/caption]