A former Liverpool star and England international who broke a record transfer fee is now unemployed and 'unable to get an interview' as he took to social media to disclose his situation

An ex-Premier League star who made a record-breaking transfer is now ‘unemployed’ and ‘unable to even get an interview’. The ‘rejected’ star has opened up in a crushing social media post.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool defender Steven Caulker is now facing the ‘stressful’ reality of being out of work. The 34-year-old, who had a 17-year long career, is attempting to spark his career in coaching after a brief stint as a manager and an assistant.

The England international, who once broke Cardiff City’s transfer record after joining from Spurs for £8million, has revealed he can’t even get an interview for a job. The defender’s last job came as an assistant manager at Turkish Süper Lig club Konyaspor, which he left on 10 Sep, as reported by NeedToKnow.

Make sure you never miss the most fun content in sport by making the Daily Star one of your Google preferred sources.

Caulker made more than 120 appearances in the Premier League during his playing career, turning out for Tottenham, Swansea, Cardiff, QPR, Southampton and Liverpool in the top-flight, as well as scoring on his only England cap in a friendly against Sweden in November 2012.

The defender bared all in a social media post on LinkedIn, which reads: “Being unemployed is stressful. 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.

“I've just finished my morning run and feeling pretty good after releasing some endorphins. Have a great Sunday.”

During his career Caulker struggled with alcohol, gambling and mental health issues to a point where the ex-footballer considered taking his own life. In his time in the Premier League it was reported that he bagged £50,000-a-week.

The post went live on Sunday (October 18) with football fans being left shocked by the star's current state.

One supporter wrote: “Someone claiming that being unemployed is stressful and in the same breath saying he’s rejecting things not aligned with his goals, has never in their life dealt with the stress of unemployment.”

Another fan added: “Doesn’t look desperate to me.” One person said: “With the money he earned in his career he shouldn’t be in this situation at all.”

One other fan commented: “Got to be a wind up, must have literally made millions in his playing career.” Another person added: “What are these guys doing with their money? Honestly.”

However, other fans showed a lot more sympathy and empathy for the former player, with one writing: “Hope something good comes his way soon, tough situation.”

One poster said: "Sad to read this from Steven Caulker on LinkedIn this morning. If anyone is able to help him out, please reach out to him."

And another fan wrote: "If the man is struggling, then he needs the support of society like we all do when we are struggling."

While another added: "Some people forget that footballers are human beings. They are fallible and make mistakes as the rest of us. You spend as you earn and sometimes life can throw a spanner in the works. Being empathetic doesn't cost a penny."