Former Liverpool Winger Albert Riera Denies Being Sacked Over Playing Poker

Albert Riera was absent for Udinese's match against Chievo on Nov 23 and reports quickly surfaced that the former Liverpool winger had instead opted to hang out in Slovenia and play poker.   He won £3,000 for his second place finish in that game.

The 32-year-old insists it was by 'mutual consent' and for football reasons that the club ultimately sacked him this past week.  

Udinese Calcio announced that the contract with the footballer had been terminated by mutual consent.

“Udinese Calcio wishes the footballer all the best for his future career,” a statement from the club read.

'To clarify, the termination of the contract (is) by mutual agreement, not due to reasons outside the football,' Riera tweeted after reports surfaced that the departure occurred as a result of his poker play.

Riera has since posted pictures of himself playing poker with buddies on his Twitter feed.

- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com