Newcastle flop and World Cup winner Stephane Guivarc’h quits football to sell swimming pools

NEWCASTLE flop Stephane Guivarc'h has plunged into a new career... selling SWIMMING POOLS.

Toon boss Kenny Dalglish paid Auxerre £3.5million for the World Cup-winning France striker in 1998.

Guivarc'h made just four appearances, scoring once, before new manager Ruud Gullit flogged him to Rangers that November.

But now the 47-year-old is making a splash in his new job after teaming up with a boyhood friend who runs a pool business.

And Guivarc'h is driving round Brittany every day to promote their products.

The Frenchman told : "I could have stayed in football.  I was Guingamp sporting director for six months, but fell out with their president.

"My mum then died, and I looked after my dad while I had my house built.

"My childhood friend - who is now my boss - was fitting a water tank one day when I jokingly told him I could be a salesman for his swimming pool firm.

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"That put a flea in his ear.  He phoned me later on, we spoke the next day and I've now been with his company for 11 years.

"Just because I've won the World Cup doesn't mean I can't work in a different area.  Everyone should do what they want.

"My mobile number is on the company's website, and fans still phone me up to sing the France World Cup anthem I Will Survive.

"I live a balanced life with my family and friends, who have seen me grow up."

Guivarc'h did enjoy plenty of success after leaving the Premier League.

He helped Rangers to win the Scottish treble, but returned to Auxerre in summer 1999.