A former Chelsea midfielder has returned to the UK in a new role over a decade after becoming a pastor in Canada.

Gavin Peacock spent three years at Stamford Bridge between 1993 and 1996.

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He later became a pundit after retiring from football before studying theology in North America.

Peacock’s studies allowed him to become a pastor in 2012 and he is now set to take up an interim role at a local church in Kent.

The 57-year-old, who has been a Christian since he was 18, is preparing to spend a year as the pastor at Bethersden Baptist Church near Ashford.

His career change came after working as a pundit following the end of his playing career.

Speaking to the Daily Express, he explained: “[The TV work] was all going very well.

“So when I gave everything up, it did surprise a number of people. It’s been the hardest few years of my life – but coming away from the UK has given me some anonymity.

“Here in Canada, they consider me a preacher, not a footballer or pundit.

“In 2006, my wife got an illness and was in hospital for a couple of weeks.

“That recalibrated my thinking and I thought about going into church leadership, and eventually gave up my media career.

“Being a pastor really is calling to me. I’ve played at Wembley in an FA Cup final but feel a stronger sense of responsibility when I’m giving a service to 30 people.”

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As a player, Peacock made 103 Premier League appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals.

Meanwhile, he started the 1994 FA Cup final against Manchester United, losing 4-0 at Wembley Stadium.

He also had spells with QPR, Gillingham, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Charlton.

Peacock’s career even started with caps for England at youth level, with the midfielder ultimately retiring aged 34.

Despite no longer working in football, Peacock remains connected to the sport.

He added: “I actually did a ‘faith and football’ talk last Saturday, around 250 people came and [got] my autobiography, so for the next year, this is my life.”