Udinese release poker star Albert Riera [divider]

Former Galatasaray midfielder Albert Riera has been released by Udinese after failing to make a single appearance for the Serie A oufit.

Riera joined Udine from Galatasaray last March and spent the rest of the season on loan at Watford.

The 32-year-old joined Galatasaray on a €3 million move from Olympiacos in 2011 and went onto make 80 appearances for the Lions.

Riera recently hit the headlines after entering a poker tournament in Italy and emerging the winner, taking home £182,000 in prize money.

The experiened winger joined the 46 man tournament at the Perla di Nova Gorica casino and finished in first place.

Riera has 16 Spanish international caps to his name and previous Premier League experience playing for Liverpool between 2008-10 and enjoying a loan spell at Manchester City.