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I was Jurgen Klopp's 'big talent' - now John Terry's my manager and I earn £400 a game

Jordon Ibe has swapped Anfield for an indoor arena after appearing in the new Baller League.

The former Liverpool winger is among the players involved in the innovative new competition.

Ibe has swapped Anfield for the Baller League nine years on from his Liverpool exit

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Ibe has swapped Anfield for the Baller League nine years on from his Liverpool exitCredit: Getty

Baller League UK launched on Monday with the opening round of matches at the Copper Box in London.

Players reportedly earn £400-per-match for taking part in the tournament.

Teams are managed by football superstars and celebrities including Gary Lineker, Alisha Lehmann, Luis Figo and rapper Dave.

Meanwhile, the 30-minute matches have several unique rule changes such as a 'gamechanger' during the closing stages of each half.

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Ibe was drafted by John Terry's 26ers earlier this month and featured in their 5-2 loss to SDS FC.

After the match, the pair could be seen speaking as they walked off the pitch.

Terry put his arm around the former England under-21 international during their conversation.

Other ex-Premier League players involved are Henri Lansbury, Adrian Mariappa and Bakary Sako.

However, Ibe stands out from the rest after making his debut in the top-flight aged just 17.

After signing for Liverpool from Wycombe as a 16-year-old, he was handed his maiden league appearance by Brendan Rodgers.

The winger featured for John Terry's 26ers on Monday's opening night

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The winger featured for John Terry's 26ers on Monday's opening nightCredit: PA

Klopp once hailed Ibe as a 'brilliant, big talent' during their time at Liverpool

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Klopp once hailed Ibe as a 'brilliant, big talent' during their time at LiverpoolCredit: Getty

Ibe went on to score four goals in 58 first-team appearances for the Reds and even featured in Jurgen Klopp's first match in charge.

The German later hailed his young winger after a win at Bournemouth in 2016, admitting: "He’s still a brilliant, big talent which is very good for English football."

Klopp also insisted that a buy-back clause be included when Ibe was sold to Bournemouth for £15million in 2016.

Overall, the 29-year-old has 119 Premier League appearances to his name for Liverpool and the Cherries.

He struggled with depression during the Covid pandemic and wrote on social media: "Times are hard in general due to this pandemic.

"I will fix myself and this situation, which I'm 100% committed to, not only for my family, friends or my beautiful daughter, but for me."

He added: "I want to apologise to all my fans around the world. I find myself in a dark place due to suffering with depression.

"It's no scheme for the media or to have my name in your mouths, I just find things hard truly."

He now finds himself playing in non-league alongside his Baller League exploits.

After leaving Bournemouth, Ibe had spells at Derby and Turkish side Adanaspor.

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The ex-England U21 international has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name

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The ex-England U21 international has over 100 Premier League appearances to his nameCredit: Getty

He returned to English football last season, joining National League side Ebbsfleet.

Following a stint at Hayes & Yeading, Ibe signed for seventh tier Hungerford Town in January this year.

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