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      Who is Champions League draw star Giorgio Marchetti?

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      GIORGIO Marchetti is well known in the footballing world, with a career spanning decades.He has worked in the sport since the 1980s, but who is he?
      Giorgio Marchetti is known for drawing football teamsCredit: AFP
      Who is Giorgio Marchetti?
      Giorgio Marchetti is best known as the person who conducts the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League throughout the campaign.
      Before this job he has had quite the career in the footballing industry.
      The Italian started off as a sports manager in the football league.
      At the beginning of 2004, with the new management of Lars-Christer Olsson as general manager, he was called by the European confederation to be the marketing and commercial director.
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      What does Giorgio Marchetti do at UEFA?
      Marchetti’s work at UEFA began in 2007 when he became director of all UEFA club and country competitions.
      In December 2016, he became Director of Sport and was promoted to the position of UEFA Deputy Secretary General.
      Due to being director of competitions he assisted in carrying out the draws for all UEFA competitions.
      He is recognised for conducting the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
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      Marchetti has earned quite a following from the job, with supporters often tweeting their support during the draw for each competition.
      Speaking to the Daily Star about his role at UEFA, Giorgio admitted that he feels pressure when he draws the teams for each competition.
      He explained: “You feel huge pressure when you are live to deliver something which catches such eager attention among worldwide football fans.
      “What I try to do is to avoid thinking about anything which is not what’s happening on stage and following our procedure correctly. That’s not always easy, at times I feel I would need some kind of zen technique…”
      Is Giorgio Marchetti married and does he have children?
      Yes, Marchetti is married and has children.
      He is married to Matilde and the pair have three children together, Andrea, Davide and Matteo.
      The family live in Nyon, which is the city where UEFA is based. More

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      Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci set for stunning transfer abroad as he returns to Champions League at 36

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      JUVENTUS icon Leonardo Bonucci is on the brink of a return to the Champions League with a shock new club.The Italian legend, 36, is set to join Bundesliga side Union Berlin, on their debut campaign in the competition.
      Italian legend Leonardo Bonucci is leaving Juventus to join Union BerlinCredit: Getty
      Fabrizio Romano says the defender will travel to the German capital today to complete a deal.
      In his prime, Bonucci was once the top centre-backs in world football, winning eight titles with Juventus while leading Italy to glory at Euro 2020.
      The veteran is now approaching the end of his glittering career.
      And Bonucci recently announced his intention to hang up his boots in 2024.
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      However, the defender is ready for one last dance with Berlin before bowing out.
      He will join the Die Eisernen on a free transfer signing a one-year deal with an option for a further season to be decided.
      It will be the first time he has ever played outside of Italy.
      The Italian ace initially received interest from Premier League side Newcastle, the MLS and Saudi Arabia.
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      But Bonucci is eager to play at the highest level with Champions League football on the cards.
      A move for the Juventus star to the Bundesliga side is favourable as they are making their Champions League debut this season.
      The defender made his professional appearance back in 2006 with Inter Milan.
      Having been an integral part of the Bianconeri’s backline for over a decade Bonucci’s departure marks the end of an era.
      The centre-back joined Juventus in 2010, where, apart from the 2017-18 season with AC Milan, he has been ever since.
      He has made exactly 500 appearances for the club.
      However, the Champions League trophy has proved elusive, with Bonucci experiencing heartbreaking defeats in the final on two occasions.
      Bonucci’s transfer to Germany can potentially pave the way for him to grab the missing piece of silverware. More

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      Who is Champions League draw host Pedro Pinto?

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      THE UEFA Champions League draw is a yearly event which determines the group stages and subsequent games for the upcoming season.Pedro Pinto hosts the annual draw with UK sports journalist and broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury.
      Pedro Pinto is a sports journalist and presenter who hosts the UEFA Champions League DrawCredit: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
      Who is Pedro Pinto?
      Pedro Pinto is a sports journalist and presenter. 
      He was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 28, 1975.
      Pinto moved to the US for college and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in communications and marketing.
      Upon graduating Pinto began his career as a TV presenter, hosting programmes back in Portugal.
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      He eventually landed a role as sports anchor and correspondent with CNN International, moving to Atlanta, Georgia.
      After a brief return to Portuguese television, Pinto took up another role with CNN, this time in London.
      In this job he interviewed major sports stars such as tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, as well as football’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Pelé.
      Pinto is also a businessman.
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      He is the founder and CEO of Empower Sports, a sports communications agency with offices in Lisbon, London and São Paulo.
      As of August 2023, Pinto lists his job as founder, CEO, and director of communications at Empower Sports, and broadcaster and executive producer at ELEVEN SPORTS HQ.
      Pinto is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish and has a “good working knowledge” of French, according to his LinkedIn.
      What does Pedro Pinto do at UEFA?
      In 2013, Pinto left CNN for a second time, this time to take the job of Chief of Press at UEFA.
      The following year, he was named Chief of Communications and Media and in 2017 he became UEFA’S Managing Director of Communications.
      In this last role he served as an official spokesman for the organisation and oversaw editorial content on all UEFA digital and social media platforms.
      Although he left his Managing Director of Communications role in 2018, Pinto has stayed involved with UEFA and still hosts the Champions League draws.
      The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 31, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. More

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      Newcastle land Champions League group of death in horror draw with fans relieved it’s only rehearsal

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      NEWCASTLE found themselves in the group of death in the Champions League rehearsal draw. The Toon are making their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2002/03 season.
      Newcastle got a tough draw in the Champions League rehearsalCredit: Reuters
      Eddie Howe’s side are set to be given tough games as they are in the lowest ranked pot four due to their lack of recent qualification.
      And in the rehearsal of the draw, Newcastle were reportedly put in a horror group alongside Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Red Star Belgrade.
      Fans are thankful it was only a practice run, one said: “Almost gave me a heart attack.”
      Another added: “If this was real we would be eliminated lol.”
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      But others were more positive and want the occasion of welcoming some of the world’s best sides to St James’ Park.
      One fan reacted: “I would be happy with that draw. Would be great to see us play big teams at home.”
      More supporters commented: “Why would we want an easy group? We’re in pot four so surely we want the better teams to give us something to look forward to?”
      Some even believed they could get the better of PSG, who have developed a reputation of failing to live up to the talent of their team in the Champions League.
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      The real draw is set to take place tonight at 5pm.
      Newcastle cannot draw Union Berlin, Lens, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic, Young Boys and Antwerp as they are in pot four with them.
      They will face one of Sevilla, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, PSG, Benfica and Feyenoord as they are in the top pot.
      Pot two contains Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto and Arsenal.
      And pot three has Shakhtar Donetsk, RB Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, Braga, PSV and FC Copenhagen.
      Newcastle cannot draw any other English sides in the group. More

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      PSV 5 Rangers 1 (7-3 Agg) – Horror Goldson own goal caps humbling night in Eindhoven as Gers drop into Europa League

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      IN the city the locals refer to as Light Town Rangers kept switching off.That’s why this became a dark night in Eindhoven.
      Connor Goldson at full timeCredit: Willie Vass
      PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman celebrates the winCredit: PA
      Rangers applaud fans at full time after what was a humbling resultCredit: Willie Vass
      It’s PSV who’ll get to shine in the Champions League this season after this dazzling win.
      The Dutch club got the revenge they were looking for from last season with two goals from Ismael Saibari as well as strikes from Luuk De Jong, Joey Veerman as well as an embarrassing OG from Connor Goldson.
      Rangers’ goal from James Tavernier gave their 2000 supporters a brief cause for celebration.
      All of two minutes.

      It was just all too much for Michael Beale’s side with their dire defending at key moments seeing their £20million dream of reaching the group stages disappear.
      The reality for Rangers right now is that the Europa League is their level as they now have to wait until Friday to see who they’ll be up against in that competition.
      No-one could fault the effort they put into reaching the Champions League for the second year running.
      It wasn’t like they settled for the Europa League which was always there waiting for them as a fall-back.
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      Not that any of that took away any of the disappointment of last night. As the final whistle could be heard some Rangers players fell to their knees, shattered in every way possible.
      The travelling fans, too, looked gutted by it all.
      Beale’s line-up would have raised eyebrows among those who journeyed to the Netherlands.
      Luuk de Jong of PSV Eindhoven celebrates his priceless goalCredit: Getty
      It was a humbling scoreline at the endCredit: Willie Vass
      Rabbi Matondo looked a cert to begin the night on the bench and be the manager’s back-up plan if and when he needed him.
      But no. Matondo started ahead of Abdallah Sima.
      Clearly the goalscoring impact the Wales international made as a substitute in the first-leg at Ibrox thrust him to the forefront of Beale’s mind. 
      It was a gamble worth taking with Sima hardly pulling up trees since his arrival.
      The other change to the team that kicked off at Ibrox was the inclusion of John Lundstram which came at the expense of Ryan Jack.
      Beale’s thinking there was that the Englishman’s ball-hunting ability would bring more to the team. But that wasn’t how it panned out.

      There were encouraging signs for Rangers initially. 
      But it wasn’t long before the home side were dominant.
      Rangers became far too slack in possession in the first-half and opportunities to hit PSV on the break were wasted with painfully poor final balls.
      The Dutch side had far more composure where it mattered.
      Johan Bakayoko was a major threat on the right, Noa Lang every bit as dangerous on the left.
      Ismael Saibari of PSV Eindhoven celebrates after scoring his team’s goal for 2-0Credit: Getty
      There were close calls before PSV took the lead.
      De Jong should have scored with a back post header after 20 minutes before Jack Butland saved with his legs to keep out a shot from Saibari.
      Rangers did have a glimpse of goal around that time but Cyriel Dessers used an arm to control a brilliant long ball from Connor Goldson and pulled his effort wide anyway.
      It was that kind of night for the big striker who continues to underwhelm in a light blue jersey.
      When it came to the opener Rangers really should have defended the situation better.
      But it came during a sustained period of pressure and when Joey Veerman clipped a cross into the six yard box from the bye-line big Saibari couldn’t miss.
      Could John Souttar have moved his feet quicker? Could Nico Raskin have blocked the attacker’s run? As it was, both players will probably feel they could have done more in that key moment.
      It has gone from bad to worse for Rangers! 😬Connor Goldson passes it back past the keeper into his own net giving PSV a 5-1 lead… 😳#UCL pic.twitter.com/OdryuWeP9T— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 30, 2023

      There were 34 minutes on the clock at that point and the half-time whistle couldn’t come quickly enough for Beale’s side.
      But PSV came back out after the break with exactly the same energy and will to win.
      And just eight minutes after the restart Rangers were trailing by two.
      This time skipper De Jong did superbly to fire a back-post cross back across goal for Saibari to score his second of the night with an easy tap-in.
      It felt like game over there and then.
      But in 64 minutes Tavernier breathed new hope into Rangers chances with a poacher’s goal after sub Sam Lammers delivered a good cross to the back post.
      Suddenly the dream was back on for Rangers.
      But within just two minutes PSV had restored their two goal lead with the defending from Rangers once again not good enough.
      From a free-kick De Jong got between Lammers and Tavernier to nod the ball past Kammers.

      Even then Rangers had chances to score again and again, Matondo having one effort blocked and another one rattle the post.
      But with 12 minutes to go PSV turned the screw with Veerman firing through a crowded penalty box to make it 4-1 on the night.
      It wasn’t over yet, though, with the worse goal yet to come.
      In 81 minutes Goldson scored a horrendous own goal when he over-hit a passback to Butland.

      The sight of the ex-England No1 chasing the ball and diving into the back of his own net was just cruel.
      By the time the final whistle came the chants from the home fans rubbed salt in the wounds of the Rangers players.
      And during PSV’s on the pitch celebrations there was some anger among the Rangers side with Todd Cantwell clearly raging with something that had been said or done.
      Read More on The Sun
      But by then it was all over bar the shouting.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Champions League draw simulated with Man Utd handed group of death, Arsenal facing Barcelona test and two all-Brit ties

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal were handed nightmare Champions League group stages by the SunSport simulator.The number-crunching machine projected the possible outcome of Thursday’s draw in Monaco.
      Manchester United could face a Champions League Group of DeathCredit: Getty
      Arsenal got pitted in a nightmare group in the supercomputer drawCredit: Getty
      The final six teams in the group stages will be decided by this week’s qualification play-offs.
      Rangers are hoping to see off PSV while Galatasaray and Copenhagen have high hopes of booking their place in the 2023-24 Champions League.
      As a result, the clubs in pots three and four are yet to be finalised.
      So SunSport filled the remaining six spots with the teams we think are likely to go through and entered all the teams into our electronic brain box.
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      And the outcome churned out was a brutal one for the English teams – especially United and Arsenal.
      Both in pot two, the Red Devils were pitted against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, seven-time winners AC Milan and Scottish giants Celtic in a staggering group of death in Group B.
      As for Mikel Arteta, he must prepare to try and qualify for the knockout stages despite facing boyhood club Barcelona following their fiery pre-season showdown, a blockbuster Battle of Britain with Rangers and a hostile trip to Turkey to take on Galatasaray.
      Holders Manchester City have a repeat of their memorable June final against Inter Milan as well as the seemingly-annual ties against Shakhtar Donetsk, plus Kieran Tierney’s Real Sociedad in Group F.
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      And it is a case of being thrown back in at the deep end as Newcastle make their Champions League return after 20 years.
      The Magpies have the small task of taking on heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, 14-time winners Real Madrid with Jude Bellingham shining in midfield and Red Star Belgrade from Serbia in Group C.
      Elsewhere, Napoli and Porto headline Group A, with Sevilla and RB Leipzig set to battle it out for top spot in Group D.
      Lens will not fancy their chances in Group G with Feyenoord, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio.
      And Union Berlin may struggle to get anything out of Benfica, Atletico Madrid and Copenhagen in Group H.
      The real draw is set to get underway with the traditional rigmarole at 5pm on Thursday at the Grimaldi Forum.
      Fans can watch the action unfold for free on the Uefa website.
      The six group-stage matchdays will take place between September 19 and December 13 with TNT Sports holding the UK broadcast rights.
      The Europa League draw – featuring Liverpool, West Ham and Brighton – and the Europa Conference League draw with Aston Villa take place on Friday.
      Manchester City head into the 2023-24 campaign as holdersCredit: Getty
      Newcastle are back in the Champions League after 20 yearsCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham will be dreaming of European glory with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Bayern Munich signed Harry Kane in the hope he can power them to the Champions LeagueCredit: AP
      Supercomputer Champions League 2023-24 Draw
      GROUP A
      Napoli, Porto, Red Bull Salzburg, Antwerp
      GROUP B
      Bayern Munich, MANCHESTER UNITED, AC Milan, Celtic
      GROUP C
      PSG, Real Madrid, Red Star Belgrade, NEWCASTLE
      GROUP D
      Sevilla, RB Leipzig, Braga, Young Boys
      GROUP E
      Barcelona, ARSENAL, Rangers, Galatasaray
      GROUP F
      MANCHESTER CITY, Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Sociedad
      GROUP G
      Feyenoord, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, Lens
      GROUP H
      Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Copenhagen, Union Berlin More

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      Barcelona and Real Madrid ‘at risk of European AXE’ after Spanish FA ‘take drastic action over Rubiales kiss storm’

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      SPANISH FA bosses have “threatened to get themselves axed from Uefa” if Luis Rubiales is forced out as president by their government, according to reports.This would see the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona left unable to play in the Champions League, as a Uefa competition.
      Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso without consent after the World Cup finalCredit: Rex
      The disgraced Spanish FA chief has refused to resign
      Disgraced Spanish FA boss Rubiales kissed star Jenni Hermoso as she went to collect her medal after the World Cup final earlier this month.
      Hermoso, 33, later admitted that she “did not like this” – with a host of players and clubs subsequently coming out in support of the 33-year-old.
      Rubiales has refused to resign, however, and called the backlash against him “social murder” at a press conference.
      His mum has this morning bizarrely locked herself in a church and gone on HUNGER STRIKE over the “inhumane witch-hunt” against her son.
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      According to Spanish outlet Onda Cero, Spanish FA chiefs have written to Uefa, pointing out what they believe to be a breach in rules by the government of Spain.
      Last week it was announced the Spanish government had begun the process of potentially suspending Rubiales for his actions.
      In a letter to Uefa, Spain’s FA are alleged to have pointed out that their government’s involvement in removing Rubiales would be a breach in the European football governing body’s laws.
      Revelo have since claimed that Uefa will ignore the RFEF – Royal Spanish Football Federation – and not intervene with no risk of Spain being left out of any European competition.
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      The rule in question states that Uefa associations “shall manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.
      “Any body or decision of a body that has not been elected or appointed in accordance with said procedure, even provisionally, will not be recognised.”
      Pointing out this potential rule breach could get Spain kicked out of Uefa, which the Spanish government would not want.
      Such an outcome would see Spanish clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona kicked out of the Champions League.
      Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Sevilla are also in the Champions League this season.
      Real Betis and Villarreal are in the Europa League.
      All of them would be at threat of losing their place in those respective competitions.
      However, The Independent report that Uefa have no intention of removing Spain at this stage.
      Rubiales, 46, has been slapped with a 90-day suspension from all football activities by Fifa.
      Regardless, the Spanish FA appear hellbent on saving his job.
      Aside from controversial head coach Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coaching staff from their World Cup success have all resigned.
      Despite Hermoso stating that the kiss was not consensual, the Spanish FA have vehemently backed Rubiales – even threatening to sue their midfielder.
      Numerous players, including the entire 23-woman squad from the World Cup and men’s team striker Borja Iglesias, have stated that they will boycott the national side until Rubiales is axed.
      While David de Gea and Hector Bellerin have also criticised the under-fire Spanish FA boss.
      In addition to kissing Hermoso, Rubiales drew criticism after he was filmed grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s win.
      He also entered the dressing room after the match, vowing to marry Hermoso.
      Rubiales eventually filmed an apology video, with Hermoso reportedly begged to take part – but refusing.
      Prior to his weak apology he had branded those criticising his lewd behaviour as “idiots”.
      While Vilda has not stepped down, and was seen applauding Rubiales’ speech on Friday, he has subsequently criticised his ally’s actions.
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      He wrote in a statement that his boss’ actions were “inappropriate and unacceptable”.
      Spain’s FA are set to hold an emergency meeting at 3pm following Rubiales’ suspension by FIfa.
      Rubiales astonishingly refused to resign in a press conference last weekCredit: Reuters More

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      I’m ex-Chelsea Champions League winner with £60m career earnings… now I’m co-owner and director at a non-league side

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      EX-CHELSEA star Cesar Azpilicueta had a fantastic career with The Blues and now he has turned his attention to non-league. The two-time Premier League champion featured over 500 times for Chelsea, but saw his time in West London come to an end this summer.
      Cesar Azpilicueta won the Champions League with the club back in 2021Credit: Getty
      He now plays for Atletico Madrid after 11 years with ChelseaCredit: Rex
      The Spaniard signed for LaLiga outfit Atletico Madrid last month and has already become an important part of Diego Simeone’s starting XI.
      It’s not just Chelsea and Atletico where Azpilicueta has a vested interest, but also English non-league club Hashtag United.
      The 33-year-old is an investor in the Isthmian League Premier Division side and was appointed as a board member for the Essex outfit in April.
      The unconventional club was founded in 2016 by YouTuber Spencer Owen and has built a huge online following in the past seven years.
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      Playing in the seventh division of English football, it is a far cry from anything Azpilicueta has done in his career.
      The experienced defender has almost won it all with Chelsea including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Supercup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
      But Hashtag United have big ambitions to get to the same places with owner Owen hoping that Azpilicueta can help them get there.
      Speaking to Insider, he said: “As one of our directors, [Cesar Azpilicueta] owns part of the club, so we want to try and make sure that we are exploiting that opportunity as best as we can in regards to bringing people in that want to help further our journey,
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      “We’ve got tremendous support, a tremendous club following, but if we want to kick on and do what this club really could achieve, with this fanbase, there is only one league that’s got that fanbase, it’s called the Premier League.
      “How do we get there? Right now, the way it’s set up, we need hundreds of millions of pounds. We don’t have that. If anyone listening has, give us a call.”
      Azpilicueta may not have all the funds that Hashtag United require just yet, but he can certainly help them with what he does have.
      According to Capology, the former Chelsea captain has earned a whopping £60million during his career so far.
      Azpilicueta is a minority owner of Spencer Owen’s Hashtag UnitedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More