Daniel Sturridge scores in behind-closed-doors friendly for Mallorca as he eyes long-awaited return to pro football

DANIEL STURRIDGE scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Mallorca - and admitted he cannot wait to return to professional football.

The ex-Liverpool star is training with the LaLiga side while he looks for his next club.

He looks raring to go in a series of training pictures he shared on Instagram, with the caption: 'Champing at the bit.'

And the former England striker proved he still has what it takes by netting in the secret friendly.

He said: "No better feeling than scoring goals.

"Even in behind closed doors games like I played today, when I scored it felt amazing.

"Feeling sharper and sharper as the days go by. Can’t wait to play a proper game whenever the day comes and show the world my talents.

"God is good."

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Sturridge, 32, is among an XI of stars Premier League clubs can still snap up for nothing.

And he sent a come-and-get-me plea to would-be suitors just days ago.

Sturridge, who celebrated his birthday this week, wrote: "Year 32. More motivated than I’ve ever been in my life to be successful.

"Older, wiser and fit as a fiddle. God is good.

"Thanks everyone for the birthday messages. Means a lot."

Sturridge has not played a professional match in 18 months after mutually agreeing to tear up his Trabzonspor contract last March.

On the same day his deal was terminated, Sturridge received a four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules.

An appeal board fined him for £150,000 for the offence.

Around the same time he also met up with Liverpool captain and former team-mate Jordan Henderson in Spain.

The pair won the 2019 Champions League together, with Sturridge watching the final victory over Tottenham from the bench before being released by Liverpool.

Sturridge's most successful season at Anfield came back in the 2013-14 campaign when he scored 24 goals in 33 games alongside strike partner Luis Suarez.

The Birmingham-born forward also netted eight times in 26 appearances for England during his international career.