That princely former player (4)

I believe the answer is:

ince

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'former player' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'that princely' is the wordplay.
'INCE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for ince that I've seen is " at 16 down [MAN UNITED]".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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