Liverpool supporters will be shocked to discover Ragnar Klavan is competing on Estonia's version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Klavan, 37, was signed by Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2016 and played 53 games for the Reds across two seasons. The 129-cap Estonia international is still playing for club and country, but he's also picked up a new hobby in the form of 'Tantsud Tahtedega'.
That's the name of Strictly Come Dancing's Estonian version, which has been revived by TV3 after an 11-year absence. The new series has just started and Klavan, who currently represents Estonian side Paide Linnameeskond, is one of the star names on the show.
TV3 have published a clip of Klavan's first dance with his partner Kerttu Tanav. Unlike the British version, Estonia's Strictly has a commentator. That makes Klavan's appearance even more fabulous, as the commentator pretends the dance is a football game.
"129 caps for the national team, three goals," started the commentator. "Alkmaar, Augsburg, Liverpool, Cagliari - and now all of Estonia is filled with anticipation, as 'Raku' begins his dancing career.
"According to the schedule, the first dance is a waltz. At first it seems something is mixed up: 'Raku' fakes to the left, then to the right, again to the left and so on and so on... but the opponent [dance partner] reads his plays flawlessly, not missing a step."
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The commentator continued: "Without hesitation, the old and injured footballer lifts up his opponent, trying to break free, but to no avail. In football this would result in a red card, but on a dancing show you get a round of applause.
"Klavan's face reveals that he already has a new plan, what could it be? Klavan tries to tiptoe away from the opponent, but she stays on his heels. Now, with a straightened back, the veteran player tries to escape by sprinting backwards. Again, without success.
"Or should he use an old trick to create some space - better stand wisely than run stupidly? To get at least a little bit of breathing room. No, no, no! That doesn't help either. Klavan has been cleverly outplayed tonight.
"Just as his home team Paide defeated Kalju 1-0, his dance partner Kerttu Tanav has won this duel. Fortunately the wait is not long, as next week Klavan will have another chance to break free from the show."
Klavan was part of the Liverpool squad which reached the Champions League final in 2018, when they lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kyiv. He is the second footballer to appear on Strictly this year, with Tony Adams competing in the UK. Arsenal legend Adams was forced to withdraw from the competition after picking up a back injury.
