Former Sunderland and Everton defender 'didn't know' he had joined Spanish fourth-tier side

A former Sunderland, Everton, Manchester City and England defender has made a bizarre claim about a recent transfer.
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Joleon Lescott played at Sunderland four years ago during David Moyes’ spell in charge at the Stadium of Light as the club were relegated to the Championship.

But the now 38-year-old Lescott has claimed he was unaware that he had joined Racing Murcia after the Spanish fourth-tier club had announced his signing.

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"There's been an offer for me to go and take part in a game in Spain, which I'm exploring," said Lescott.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Joleon Lescott of Sunderland is seen on the bench prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on January 31, 2017 in Sunderland, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Joleon Lescott of Sunderland is seen on the bench prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on January 31, 2017 in Sunderland, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Joleon Lescott of Sunderland is seen on the bench prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on January 31, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he added: "By next week I should know whether it's genuine.

"I didn't know I'd signed - I'd had a conversation. It appears I'm coming out of retirement but I'd be participating in one game - that would be it."

In a statement on their website, the club also said: "This first and historic signing allows the Racing Murcia project to be known internationally and to give relevance to a squad practically made up of players from the city of Murcia and the towns of the region.

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"In the coming days, the club will announce other star players and professionals who will help the team achieve its goals, both in the league and in the Copa del Rey."

The ex-England defender earned 26 caps for his country as well as two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and League Cup after a £22million move to Manchester City in 2009.

Lescott also had spells at West Brom, Aston Villa and AEK Athens.

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