'I almost won title with Liverpool - now I am going undercover on reality TV dating show'

Many of Liverpool's ex-players have turned to new careers since hanging up their boots. The likes of Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard have moved into management, with the former on the verge of a record-breaking season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Jamie Carragher has emerged as one of the best pundits around, while former striker Djibril Cissé previously tried his hand at modelling, strutting his stuff at Paris fashion week.

Now, former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is venturing into the world of reality TV. The Dutchman is set to take part in a new dating show in Los Angeles, but with a secret identity.

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Babel spent three years at Liverpool and scored 22 goals. He was part of the side that ran Manchester United close for the Premier League title in 2009 but left Anfield without winning a trophy. Babel recently returned to play in a Legends match against Ajax.

The show Love Undercover is set to air next week and will feature four other players — including ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara — all trying to hide the truth of their former careers. The ex-players will claim to work in fields such as construction and advertising and attempt to win over a group of women.

"The majority of my life I have played football, where you are trying to work out if someone you meet actually likes you for who you are or likes you for what you do,” Babel told The Athletic. "Now there was an opportunity to actually see if you could make genuine connections with your status, title and achievements stripped away. I’m curious as to how it will be received.

“I was very self-aware and very conscious to make sure that I didn’t necessarily make a fool out of myself. But at the same time, I think I played my part."

Babel also addressed speculation that countryman Arne Slot will become Liverpool's next boss and warned he needs to be given time after replacing Jürgen Klopp. He added: "A Dutch manager will naturally want to play football, especially if they have been in the top three in Holland.

"It is a fine line to see if a new coach has the squad in place to immediately realize their vision. New coaches always naturally have time, the question is how much time does Slot get? Liverpool has been spoilt with the Klopp philosophy and era. I think anything less, then frustration will kick in very, very quickly.”

Liverpool.com says: Babel has gone rogue with this move and Liverpool fans will be tuning into the show to see how he gets on. He enjoyed a decent career at Anfield but there is a feeling that he never truly lived up to his potential. He will hope his fellow countryman Slot can go one better and lift the title during his tenure.