Former Premier League player says he 'can't afford' child maintenance as he has 13 kids

Former Premier League striker Peter Ndlovu has claimed he can't afford to pay child maintenance on two kids, as he has 11 more to pay for already.

You know Premier League players are on a fair old whack these days when Manchester United make the news for capping their spend at £200,000-a-week per player.

Erik ten Hag brought in the rule following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, though he may have to break it if he wanted to add Harry Kane to his squad.

However, wages haven't always been quite that high in England's top tier, and it might be why ex-Sheffield United striker Ndlovu is having issues.

Ndlovu played for Coventry City, Birmingham City and the Blades throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, becoming the first African player to play in the Premier League.

The former Zimbabwe international, who played 100 times for his country, has recently been involved in a court case over his alleged failure to pay child support for two children.

He appealed against having to pay £568 per month, due to already having to pay out for 11 other kids, telling the court, "I have 13 children, including the two children I have with the first respondent.

"I’m obliged to contribute and see to the maintenance needs of all 13 of my children.

"I earn a monthly salary that is utilised for my own living expenses, needs, necessities, and liabilities as well as to contribute to the dependents' expenses and other obligations.

Ndlovu playing for Sheffield United. Image: Alamy

"As a result of these encounters, two minor children were born between the respondent and me.

"I was not informed by the respondent about the pregnancies or the subsequent births of our children.

"The last I heard of the children was when she instituted maintenance proceedings against me in 2016.

"There is no communication between the respondent and me. We share no relationship and there is no contact between us."

"I cannot simply afford a deduction of R29,845 per month from my salary."

The 49-year-old's defence didn't work however, and he has now been ordered to pay the money, although he did get off lightly, with the woman initially asking for £1,420 a month.

The former striker, who scored 34 goals in England's top tier, has worked in coaching following his retirement, working for the Zimbabwe national team and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, who he played for later in his career.

Perhaps Ndlovu should have taken a page out of Enner Valencia's book when it came to avoiding paying child support for his kids.

The Ecuador striker was once accused of faking an injury during an international game so he could escape the police, who were waiting for him, in an ambulance.