Former Málaga footballer in jail for drug trafficking. In football I made a million euros in a year, here in two months, says Koke

A lot of footballers, after their career ends, are looking for a way to make a living, something to do to keep themselves busy. Former Malaga player Sergio Contreras ‘Koke’ chose a rather unconventional path. He started dealing drugs. Now he’s in prison.

Last May, ‘Koke’ was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting he was the head of an international drug organization that exported its products in trucks to several countries in Europe.

Now in prison, he has confessed to several questions to the Canal Football Club station, an interview compiled by MARCA newspaper. It has to be said, he’s not too worried about being in prison.

“Life is a bit complicated. You have to pay for stupidity. I come from a neighbourhood in Málaga where all my childhood friends are….. I have contacts everywhere, but I’m not Pablo Escobar! When you hear ‘international trafficker’ you think ‘what the f**k have I done’,” explains the 40-year-old former Málaga and Rayo Vallecano player.

But of course, this very risky business brings with it big profits. And it’s a lot better than football.

“As a footballer, you are lucky to make a lot of money. I used to make maybe a million euros a year. But in this business, you can make in two months what you make in a year in football. But you risk your life,” says Koke.

“In France, you can be killed very quickly for that. Here in prison, they can kill you too, but I’m not afraid. Prison is open to stupid people. I will go back to prison, I don’t know for how long, but I have a sentence until 2027,” Koke says during his parole hearing.

Koke made his debut in Spain’s top competition at the age of 19 in the 2002-03 season. He has also played for Olympique Lyon, Sporting Lisbon and Rayo Vallecano. Does his status as a footballer in prison help?

“Everyone knows me, but being a footballer doesn’t change anything. There are a lot of French people here, some straight from Marseille. But I’ve also seen a few Olympique Lyon jerseys in prison,” said Koke.

Source: Canal Football Club