Former West Ham, Manchester City and Everton midfielder Mark Ward was jailed for eight years for drug trafficking on Tuesday.
Ward, who retired from the game nine years ago, pleaded guilty to possessing four kilograms of cocaine with intent to supply at his rented home near Liverpool.
Ward made more than 450 appearances for Oldham Athletic, West Ham, Manchester City, Everton and Birmingham, between 1983 and 1996, scoring 48 goals.
”It is indeed regrettable to see a former professional footballer of your ability reduced to this,” said Judge John Phipps.
”Since your retirement from professional football 10 years or so ago, life has been difficult for you and you have very much fallen on hard times but you have got yourself involved in drugs trafficking.” – Sapa-AP