Indonesia may not be the obvious destination for an African footballer but it's the place former Liberia captain Joe Nagbe calls home.

The striker has been playing in the country's elite division since 2002 after leaving Greek side Panionios.

Lured to Indonesia by fellow Liberian footballer Nathaniel Naplah, who was playing there at the time, the 40-year-old is enjoying his Asian adventure.

"The fans here are great and accept all the Africans and the numerous South Americans who dominate the Liga Indonesia," Nagbe told BBC Sport on a recent return to Monrovia.

"There are over 200 players, mainly from Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia and Ghana, playing here."

"Life is fine - especially when you are recognized as a foreign footballer.

"The people, who are welcoming to strangers, like football so they give us a lot of respect and freedom."

Nagbe lost his contract with Panionios in 2000 as a result of a row over his frequent returns to Monrovia for Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

This ended a 10-year stopover in Europe, which also included spells in France and Belgium.

"No footballer wants to leave Europe but I had no choice at the time so I took advantage of my friend's offer to come out here," he explained.

"I don't have any regrets even though the conditions in Europe are far better than here.

"The quality of football is also higher in Europe but the Indonesians want their game to develop so that's why they allow so many foreign players to play here."

"I'm currently with Persita Tangerang but I have also played for three other clubs (PSMS Medan, PSIS Semarang and PSDS Deli Serdang)."

In the twilight of his career, the burly striker is now looking to his future after football - and his interests might take some by surprise.

"I have always wanted to be a builder after football so I spent a lot of my spare time with an Indonesian architect learning architecture," the former Monaco and Nice star revealed.

"It's a great experience and I hope to design and supervise my own estate project one of these days."

Yet Nagbe would like one last turn-out for the Lone Star before he finally hangs up his boots.