Former Champions League winner Fabio Coentrao is now working as a fisherman

'People who love the sea and who want to experience the sea need to follow their dream.'

Ex-Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao is currently pursuing a completely different career after becoming a fisherman following his retirement from football. Coentrao - who made over 100 appearances for Madrid - retired at the end of last season after a spell at boyhood club Rio Ave in Portugal. The full-back registered 52 caps for Portugal and is a good friend of Cristiano Ronaldo following their time together in Spain. The 33-year-old has taken a different career path to many after hanging up his boots, purchasing his first fishing boat while he was still playing and now working as a full-time fisherman. Speaking to 'Empower Brands's YouTube channel, Coentrao opened up on his new career path at sea.

"Life in the sea is not a shame, as many people think," he said. "It is a job like any other. Not only that, the sea is beautiful and we need it.

"People who love the sea and who want to experience the sea need to follow their dream."

The two-time Champions League winner, who also won two La Liga titles, has previously told the story of how his boat rescued 15 fishermen from a sinking ship. Coentrao has also insisted that it is a 'generational' career and explained that his life 'was the sea' growing up. He added: "It is also a job for the new generations. My father had a boat, he used to fish and always went with him as a child. My life was the sea... the sea and fishing. "Of course, I knew that football would one day end and that I should take a new direction in my life. And my happiness is this boat and this is the life I want to lead." Coentrao made over 350 appearances in his career, winning 15 major honours. Related links:

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