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    Sky Sports presenter reveals she’s battling brain infection after fighting cancer and pays tribute to manager boyfriend

    SKY Sports presenter Emma Saunders bravely revealed she has been struck down with a brain infection after fighting cancer.Emma told fans she treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the 2024-2025 season in an emotional Instagram post.Emma Saunders is a regular face on Sky SportsBut the talented presenter has given her fans an update on her healthSaunders is dating English football manager Will StillAnd talented football journalist explained she’s off work at the moment while recovering from a brain infection called encephalitis.Emma began dating English football manager Will Still, 32, last year and went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.And the life-long Watford fan thanked him for his support as she has opened up on her health battle.She posted a picture from her hospital bed, while holding a mini giraffe stuffed animal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSShe captioned her heartwarming post with: “Hi folks 🤍, unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. “I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.””So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care🤍.Most read in Football”And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me ❤️.”Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersHe was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.He was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Meanwhile, her Sky Sports colleagues flooded her post with well-wishes.Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas wrote: “So sorry to hear you’ve gone through this Emma. “You’re missed! Look after yourself and hope you’re feeling much better soon.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile England star Kyle Walker replied: “Sending you love.”Premier League presenter Olivia Buzaglo added: “Sending you all the love in the world ♥️.”The couple posed together in Frankfurt at Euro 2024 More

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    Chesterfield announce owner Phil Kirk diagnosed with inoperable cancer as club release heartbreaking statement

    CHESTERFIELD FC owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer, a club statement has revealed.Phil, who co-owns the League Two club with brother Ashley Kirk, is said to be undergoing treatment to prolong his life.Chesterfield owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancerCredit: YouTube/Chesterfield FC Official YouTube ChannelA heartbreaking statement from the club read: “Chesterfield FC announces with deep regret that Phil Kirk has been recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer.”Over the next few months, he will be receiving treatment to prolong his life, but this is not expected to deliver a cure.”Work has already started on a robust long term financial and governance plan for the club. “This will be disclosed in due course but includes material financial backing on and off the pitch and does not include a sale.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In the meantime, please give Phil and his family some time and space. Phil will be at the Fans’ Forum on Friday.”No further comment will be made at this stage.”Chesterfield have confirmed that Phil Kirk will still be present for the club’s Fan Forum on Friday alongside manager Paul Cook and chief executive John Croot.Messages of support have already started pouring in for the club’s co-owner.Most read in FootballChesterfield announced that Phil Kirk will still attend a Fan Forum later this weekCredit: RexDerbyshire FA posted: “Our thoughts are with Phil and the Kirk family.”While the the Chesterfield FC Supporters Group wrote: “Awful news. Our thoughts are with Phil and his family at this time.”Fans also sent their well wishes online.One wrote: “Dreadfully sad news. My heart goes out to Phil, all the Kirk’s and all his friends. Nothing else matters when things like this happens.”One of the mighty Spireites true legends and a guy the supporters of this great club will still be honouring for generations to come.”And another added: “Terrible news, Phil has brought so much positivity to the club and the town”.Local brothers Phil and Ashley Kirk have transformed Chesterfield since they arrived as investors back in 2022, pumping over £1MILLION into the then National League side.Their time, effort, passion and financial support helped the club return to the Football League for the first time in over six years this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair have always supported Chesterfield and wanted to invest in the club they grew up fans of.Speaking about why he chose to invest in the club, Phil previously said: “Why would we do it? Because it’s Chesterfield. There is no other club, obviously, that we would have done this for.”The Kirk brothers helped secure Chesterfield’s return to the Football LeagueCredit: PAThe Spireites won the National League last seasonCredit: PA More

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    Nico Hidalgo dead at 32: Former Juventus star dies after battle with lung cancer as tributes pour in

    FORMER Spanish footie star Nico Hidalgo has tragically passed away aged 32. The former Juventus midfielder has sadly lost his lengthy battle with lung cancer.Nico Hidalgo has tragically passed away aged 32Credit: GettyThe former Racing Santandar and Juventus star had been battling lung cancer since 2021Credit: GettyTributes have poured in for the late Hidalgo, including from former club Cadiz. The Segunda Division side’s ode read: “Nico Hidalgo has left us.”We will never forget your smile and your joy. Your struggle is our example. Rest in peace.”Extremadura, which no longer exists, also paid tribute to their late player.”This morning we woke up to the sad news of the death of Nico Hidalgo, former Extremadura UD footballer, at the age of 32 due to lung cancer which he had been fighting since 2021,” a club statement read.”From [everyone at] CD Extremadura, we would like to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. “We send them all our love and strength in these difficult times.”Racing Santandar also paid tribute to the midfielder, whom they’ll honour with a minute’s silence ahead of their La Liga clash with Elche on Sunday.Most read in FootballThe late Nico Hidalgo retired from football in 2022Credit: GETTYA snippet of a club statement read: “Real Racing Club regrets the death of its former footballer Nico Hidalgo, who played 73 official matches with the green and white shirt between 2018 and 2020. “The Cantabrian club joins in the pain of his family and friends for this irreparable loss.”While sending its most sincere condolences and announcing that it will observe a minute of silence in his memory before the LaLiga Hypermotion match that its first team will play against Elche CF at the Campos de Sport tomorrow Sunday, March 2, at 9:00 p.m.”Hidalgo began his career with his local team Motril CF, whom he made 40 appearances before joining Granada in 2012. He moved to Italian giants Juve in 2014 but didn’t make a single appearance for the Old Lady in his three years in Turuin. He returned to Spain permanently in the summer of 2017 following loan spells with Granada and Cadiz. He closed out his career with stints with Racing Santander and Extremadura, retiring after learning of his diagnosis. More

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    Javier Dorado dead at 48: Former Real Madrid star dies after long illness as club pays touching tribute

    FORMER Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48 after a brave battle with cancer.The Spaniard was part of the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before getting a promotion under Vicente del Bosque.Former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48Tributes have flooded in to honour and remember Dorado, who made his Madrid debut in 1999 against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.He won the Champions League a season later with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who scored an incredible volley in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia.Dorado was part of the squad that beat Manchester United over two legs in the quarter-finals of that winning 2000 campaign. But, in his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe left-back was loaned out to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving joining Rayo Vallecano on a permanent basis.He continued his career with other Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022, according to Spanish outlet Marca.The former defender told El Comercio a few months ago: “I’ve been here for a while now.Most read in FootballDorado won the Champions League with Madrid in 2000″And I hope that this time this nightmare will end, that we can go out and be at peace. “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take their toll , especially when they end because they leave me a little more tired and a little more affected, but I try to lead a normal life.”A club statement on Thursday read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado.”We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of.”During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”Born in Talavera de la Reina, Dorado also featured in four matches for Spain’s Under 21s between 1998 and 2000.He made eight appearances for Madrid’s first team, while most of his career games came in the Spanish second division.A fan honoured his memory saying: “What a great player. May you rest in peace.” More

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    ‘Please forgive me’ – F1 legend Eddie Jordan apologises live on radio and says ‘I’m not myself’ after cancer treatment

    FORMULA One legend Eddie Jordan touchingly apologised on live radio after revealing he’s “not himself” following a dose of cancer treatment.Jordan revealed that he is battling an “aggressive” form of prostate and bladder cancer, which spread to his spine and pelvis, late last year.Eddie Jordan is bravely battling cancerCredit: SplashThe former F1 team owner was on talkSPORT this morning discussing his takeover of London Irish.But it was the 76-year-old’s emotional plea and update on his diagnosis that moved listeners.Towards the end of the segment, Jordan said: “Sorry guys, just a small thing, thank you.”I’ve just come out of getting chemotherapy and I’m not 100 per cent together here guys.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I’m just not myself at this moment in time. I’m a little all over the place, so please forgive me.”His heartbreaking appeal clearly touched presenter Alan Brazil, who urged him “not to worry” and offered him support.Brazil, 65, said: “I wasn’t going to bring it up. But listen, if we can get this out to people, it’s encouraging. Well done you.”A shaken Jordan replied: “I just had a big deal of it yesterday, so I’m sorry, I’m not quite myself.”Most read in MotorsportBrazil replied: “Take care Eddie, don’t you worry, you were fine. Get your health better and come back to us with more positive news about London Irish.”Fellow talkSPORT host Gabby Agbonlahor added: “Eddie Jordan, top man.”F1 legend Eddie Jordan, 76, reveals he is battling ‘aggressive’ cancer as he urges ‘go and get tested’ Back in December, Jordan revealed he went through some “dark days” as the cancer spread to different parts of his body.He urged people to go out and get tested and spoke about the importance of looking after one’s body.But the Irish businessman – who was a former shareholder in Celtic football club – is still working to extend his legendary career in sport management.Consortium Strangford Ellis Ltd, managed by Jordan Associates, has agreed a deal to buy London Irish out of administration.The Dubliner – former team owner of Jordan Grand Prix that gave Michael Schumacher his Formula One debut – is chairman of Jordan Associates.It comes just over a year after the Premiership club was suspended from all rugby activities in June 2023 for failing to pay its players.London Irish went bust with more than £30m of unpaid bills and have been looking for investment since.In a statement, the club said: “The Jordan Associates team will now turn its attention to negotiating a full and sustainable return for London Irish to competitive rugby, hand-in-hand with London Irish’s supporter base.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThey have acquired the intellectual property, brand and rights of London Irish but not the Hazelwood training centre.Jordan’s youngest son Kyle is a senior partner in the consortium.Jordan owned an F1 team for 14 years and gave Michael Schumacher his debutWhat are the symptoms of prostate cancer?Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:needing to pee more frequently, often during the nightneeding to rush to the toiletdifficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)straining or taking a long time while peeingweak flowfeeling that your bladder has not emptied fullyblood in urine or blood in semenSource: NHS More

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    British boxing trainer Joe Gallagher, 56, diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer as he releases emotional statement

    BRIT boxing coach Joe Gallagher has bravely revealed he’s battling cancer.The beloved trainer and manager is fighting stage four bowel and liver cancer, which he was diagnosed with last November.Boxing trainer Joe Gallagher has revealed he’s battling cancerCredit: MARK ROBINSONGallagher, 56, was diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer last NovemberCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDHe’s currently undergoing chemotherapyCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDAnd the 56-year-old world championship trainer is now undergoing chemotherapy to prolong his life.He said in a statement: “It’s been a lot to take in over these past few months.”I just wanted to carry on as normal as possible while I tried to process things.”I would like to say no matter how busy life gets, your health should always come first. READ MORE BOXING NEWS”We can overlook things and put things off because we’re always so ‘busy’, but ultimately there’s nothing more important than your health.“I didn’t have any major symptoms, so if you feel something isn’t right, no matter how small, please don’t put it off – please go and get checked, as it could save your life.”I want to thank my family, friends, my fighters and the people I’ve been able to confide in so far on this journey, their support has been incredible.”Gallagher was inundated by scores of well-wishes from boxing fans after news of his diagnosis became public.Most read in BoxingJoe Gallagher used to work with former super-middleweight champion Callum SmithCredit: REUTERSOne fight fan wrote on X: “Send best wishes to Joe Gallagher.”Another said: “Praying for your successful fight back.”And another said: “Sad news I hope the brother makes a full recovery.”One remarked: “So sad keep fighting strong Joe Gallagher. “Far too much of this vile disease now.”Gallagher, the former trainer of ex-world champs Scott Quigg, Liam Smith and Anthony Crolla, is getting through the biggest fight of his life thanks to the help of his nearest and dearest.Joe Gallagher is the current training of unified light-middleweight champion Natasha JonasCredit: MATCHROOM BOXINGBut the Sweet Science is also helping him go toe-to-toe with the disease.The Manc said: “I know I have to prioritise my health at this time, yet boxing is giving me that bit of escapism I need right now. “As I go through my own battle, being around an incredible team of fighters is helping me continue to do what I love.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve only just begun my fight back against this disease.”There’s still so much I am processing, which is very hard to talk about right now; it’s also a very difficult time for my family & friends too.” More

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    LaLiga star Kirian Rodriguez confirms cancer has relapsed as he steps away from football to undergo chemotherapy

    A LALIGA footballer has been forced to step away from the game indefinitely after his cancer returned.The relapse comes two-and-a-half years after he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Las Palmas star Kirian Rodriguez’s cancer has relapsedCredit: GettyThe captain will miss the rest of the season as he undergoes chemotherapyCredit: RexKirian Rodriguez missed the first eight months of the 2022-23 season as he received treatment, returning to action in April 2023.Now, though, he faces another extended spell out after confirming his cancer is back.The Las Palmas captain, 28, revealed at a press conference on Thursday morning that he will now undergo chemotherapy and miss the rest of the season.But his return date is unknown as he focuses on his health. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRodriguez said: “Thank the club and all the executives who are here, they have been very important to me. “Thank the coaching staff and my teammates for their decision not to accompany me here, I think they need to be focused on the game.”Yesterday they told me I have relapsed with cancer. “I will have to stop again and go through another round of chemotherapy to fight the disease.Most read in Football”I hope to see you all again in 2025-26, because I am 100 per cent convinced that the club, the players, and the coaching staff will see each other again in the First Division.”Rodriguez has been a key member of the Las Palmas starting XI once again this season, with the skipper missing just one LaLiga fixture in early October with a muscle injury. Charlie Watson discusses impact skin Cancer has on football careerWhat are the signs of lymphoma?LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.The most typical signs are:Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin areaNight sweatsExtreme tirednessItchingUnexplained weight lossFeverExcessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skinOther signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptomsCoughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain But the Las Palmas medical team grew concerned as the midfielder’s physical conditioning dipped in recent weeks. And the academy graduate – who has played all of his 134 professional matches for his boyhood club – was withdrawn midway through the second half against Girona on Monday as he struggled.That was the earliest he had been substituted all season – except for when he suffered the injury. Playmaker Rodriguez was unable to train on Tuesday or Wednesday before the announcement on Thursday. He received various messages of support following the press conference.Barcelona replied on X: “Much strength, Kirian.”We wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge… we hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shownReal MadridMalaga wrote: “All the strength in the world. The spirit of Malaga is with you, Kirian.”A fan added: “Lots of encouragement, Kirian. You’re going to win this match, and by a landslide. Fans from all the teams in the league are eager to see you play as soon as possible.”Another typed: “Wishing Kirian a strong recovery and a swift return.”And Real Madrid shared this classy post: “Dear Kirian Rodríguez, we wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge. “We hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shown. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Real Madrid and all the Madridistas will be supporting you in this challenge.”Las Palmas sit 15th in the LaLiga table after 22 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rodriguez was subbed off early on Monday night against GironaCredit: RexHe has been a key player for the club since returning from his eight months out when he first had cancerCredit: Getty More

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    Treasures from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career on sale including Armani suits & legendary kits…after he died £8m in debt

    INCREDIBLE treasures owned by legendary manager Sven-Goran Eriksson have been put on sale – including a snazzy Armani suit and various winners medals.Football went into mourning when the legendary coach passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 in August last year.Valuable items once owned by the late Sven-Goran Eriksson have been put up for saleCredit: The TimesIncluded is the legend’s winning Serie A medal with LazioCredit: bna.nuweauctionsThe manager’s Armani suit he wore during his time as England boss will also be floggedCredit: bna.nuweauctionsEriksson was one of the country’s best performing managers, taking the national team to two World Cups and one Euros quarter final.But eye-opening accounts published in his native Sweden on January 14 reveal he had debts totalling 118 million kronor – the equivalent of £8.6 million – when he died.A staggering £7.2 million of that was owed to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK.Now, a cluster of the late manager’s valuable belongings have been flogged.read more Sven Goran ErikssonThe items all have a starting price of 100 Swedish Krona, equal to roughly £7. The splendid collection feature items commemorating Sven’s accomplished career as head coach of the England national team, Italian giants Lazio and Roma and in the Premier League with Manchester City, among others.The collection includes several Armani and Burton jackets from Eriksson’s time as England manager.An Ivory Coast jersey signed by iconic former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is included in the auction, as are winning medals from Eriksson’s tenure guiding Lazio and Roma to silverware.Most read in FootballFor the former, punters can put in a bid for the legend’s eye-catching Serie A winners’ medal from the 1999/2000 season.For the latter, a Coppa Italia medal from the same year is available to buy.LIVE: Sven-Göran Eriksson is laid to rest at funeral in Torsby, SwedenAn award commemorating the Swede’s Premier League Manager of the Month award during his time as gaffer of Manchester City also features.LEGENDARY BOSSThe Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001.He managed superstars such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.During his time with England Eriksson managed 67 matches, he won 40 and lost 10 – of his 67 games 40 were competitive.Eriksson left the England role after the 2006 World Cup and would later manage a host of clubs at domestic and international level.Due to his health issues, he was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.Revealing his illness in January, Eriksson told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.He added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.”But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”The 76-year-old has now seen his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video where he gave a touching farewell.TEARFUL FAREWELLSven gave a poignant final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.During Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s “Golden Generation” went from 17th in the world rankings to fifth.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s nabbed the Manager of the Month prize during his time as gaffer of Manchester CityCredit: bna.nuweauctionsIconic striker Didier Drogba’s gave his signed Ivory Coast jersey to his former managerCredit: bna.nuweauctionsA handful of other signed jerseys from previous teams Eriksson coached are included in the auctionCredit: bna.nuweauctionsSven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001) More