Ex-Liverpool star Steven Caulker, who was signed by Jurgen Klopp, says he is now unemployed and struggling to find work after retiring from playing back in 2025

Former Liverpool center-back Steven Caulker, now 34, has opened up on his frustrating search for a new job after retiring from playing in 2025.

Caulker played four times for Liverpool after being signed on loan by Jurgen Klopp. Those appearances all came in January 2016; he came on as an emergency striker against Arsenal on his debut and was needed amid a shortage of other options at the back.

During his career, Caulker also played for the likes of Tottenham, QPR and Southampton. His final English club was Wigan three years ago before he went on to play in Spain, Turkiye and Iceland.

"Being unemployed is stressful," Caulker wrote on LinkedIn over the weekend. "I've been here many times before — I'm used to the rollercoaster of emotions — but it doesn't make it any easier.

"Applying for jobs for which I have all the qualifications yet am unable to get even an interview hurts, but that does not mean I should panic.

"Walt Disney was rejected over 300 times; rejection is part of most people's stories. The bit I find difficult is then turning down the jobs that do come my way which are not aligned with my goals.

"Staying calm and composed during these times is important, and adding some kind of structure to my day certainly helps. l've just finished my morning run and feeling pretty good after releasing some endorphins."

Caulker was surprised when the call for him to sign for Liverpool came through, though he jumped at the opportunity.

"I'm not sure he actually knew me when I signed, whether I was (Klopp's) signing or the club's signing, I'm not sure," Caulker admitted last year.

"It's actually really interesting... I played for Southampton against Liverpool.

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"I had, officially, the worst game of my career. We lost 6-1, and two months later I signed for Liverpool. So, I don't know how that happened, I still don't know to this day but it happened.

"Two days later, I was coming on up front against Arsenal at Anfield. We got a late equalizer... not because of me but whatever, I played my part, I was on the pitch, but just amazing.

“To be honest, I was ecstatic. First of all to make my debut at Anfield was a great moment but when I was told I was playing up front it was a bit surreal."