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      Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas made shock career change after quitting football management to race rally cars

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      EX-FOOTBALL manager Andre Villas-Boas broke the mould when he traded management for rally car racing.The 45-year-old, who is now without a club following a spell with Marseille from 2019-2021, was once considered one of the most exciting young managers in Europe.
      Andre Villas-Boas gave up football management to race rally cars
      He entered the Dakar Rally in 2018Credit: AP:Associated Press
      But he had to withdraw after crashing into a sand duneCredit: Jordi Rierola
      Villas-Boas attracted attention after an unbeaten season with FC Porto, in which he won the league title as well as the Europa League.
      This saw him be appointed to Chelsea in 2011 but was sacked a year later and moved to Tottenham.
      When he left Spurs in 2013, he boosted the record win percentage of any of the club’s managers in the Premier League era.
      Before leaving the North London club, Villas-Boas revealed that he would leave management in the next decade with the aim of rally racing.
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      He told the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo: “My passion for football makes me live it very intensively over 11 months and dedicate myself to that, but I think life allows you to enjoy other things.
      “For me, there is a limit and, in the next five to 10 years, I will quit coaching.
      “To compete in the Dakar Rally is a lifetime ambition for me and is something I know I have to do.
      “It went from a passion to an ­obligation, a destination of life, but I can only do it when I leave football. I will do it.”
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      After spells in Russia and China, Villas-Boas announced that he would take a break from management and instead compete in the Dakar Rally in 2018.
      However, he had to withdraw from the rally after crashing into a sand dune on the fourth stage in Peru and injuring his back.
      He then participated in the Baja TT do Pinhal in 2018 while driving a Can-Am Maverick X3.
      The Portuguese boss returned to club management between 2019 and 2021 when he took charge of Ligue 1 side Marseille.
      Andre Villas-Boas had to end his chase to complete the Dakar Rally after crashing on a sand dune but managed to walk away from the incidentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He managed in England at Chelsea and Tottenham HotspurCredit: AFP
      His last club was Ligue 1 side MarseilleCredit: Reuters
      He was admired by many players in football, as Aleksandr Kokorin revealed to Foot Mercato: “André Villas-Boas, I worked with him for a few months, he’s really the best coach I’ve had in my career, a great coach, a wonderful person.
       “A great guy, a great coach, always available when I called him, able to keep the confidence. A really great man.”
      He then raced again in 2022 in the WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal.
      After the race, Villas-Boas admitted that it was a “dream come true”.
      He told reporters: “It is one of those things you dream of as a boy. I have been watching rallies since I was a little boy, and Formula One as well.
      “It is a very special, it is a great opportunity as we do it for our causes for good.
      “It is very stressful to tell you the truth. I wasn’t aware of how intense it was.
      “But we did well and finished on a good note, happy with the jump because I was scared to death.”
      Last year the former manager also spoke of how he collects cars and how he always wanted to rally.
      Villas-Boas told WRC.com: “I like to collect cars with prestige, I always wanted to own a rally car, so I started investigating.
      “At first, I was in limbo about which rally car to own.
      “I have, fortunately, a good relationship with the PSA Group, and the first car that came up was actually a [Citroën] C4 from Loeb.
      Villas-Boas is still open to a return to football managementCredit: AFP
      “It was a great car with six wins, but it needed rebuilding.
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      “It was actually a car that had been around for a while, was sold by Citroën and then was around a few drivers, so the ten years of its life were very intense.”
      However, he is still open to a return to football management before 2026, as he admitted that he wants to take charge of a national side. More

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      How SEVEN Premier League teams could qualify for Champions League this season thanks to new rules

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      AS many as SEVEN Premier League sides could compete in next season’s Champions League after new rule changes were set out by Uefa.That’s because next season the Champions League format is changing from its current 32 team system to one that will include 36 teams.
      The Premier League will be granted at least one additional Champions League qualification place if an English club wins the Champions League this seasonCredit: Getty
      If you were in need of a reminder of the current system, the competition begins with a group stage consisting of four teams split into eight groups.
      The top two teams from each group qualify for a round of 16 with the number of teams halved with each round until a winner is found in the final.
      But next year will see the Champions League move to a ‘Swiss model’ which will see 36 teams play in one league – attempting to then qualify for the knockout rounds.
      Each team will play four additional games for a total of five home ties and five away ties – although unlike a traditional league system, not everyone will play each other.
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      The top eight teams will advance to the round of 16, with teams placed between ninth and 24th entering a play-off round to meet them.
      The new model will allow four additional teams to enter the tournament – which will be decided by how well each country’s teams compete in the previous year’s tournament.
      How will the additional four places be awarded?

      One place will go to the club ranked third in the championship of the association in fifth position in the UEFA national association ranking
      One place will be awarded to a domestic champion by extending from four to five the number of clubs qualifying via the so-called ‘Champions Path’
      The final two places will go to the associations with the best collective performance by their clubs in the previous season (total number of points obtained divided by the number of participating clubs)

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      The bullet point Premier League clubs will be most interested in is the final one – as it rewards a league for how far its clubs got in the previous year of the competition.
      So for example with last year’s tournaments being dominated by sides from England and Italy, both leagues would have had an additional spot in the Champions League – meaning Liverpool and Atalanta – both fifth in their respective leagues – would have entered the competition.
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      Manchester City won the Champions League against Inter Milan, while West Ham beat Fiorentina to claim the Europa Conference League.
      For this to happen in the 2024/25 campaign, this year’s English clubs would have to provide one of the top two performances across the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
      Given English performances in Europe in recent years it is likely that this season will see fifth place finish in the Champions League next season.
      But seven participants entering the tournament next season is highly unlikely.
      An English club would have to place in the top two of the Champions League, Conference League and Europa League.
      And the English clubs would also have to win the Champions League and Europa League to therefore qualify for next year’s competition.
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      But, they would also both have to finish outside of the Premier League’s top five – which given the quality of team needed to win both competitions seems unlikely to happen.
      But there is at least, in theory, a chance that as many as seven Premier League teams will compete in a revamped ‘Swiss model’ Champions League – if a particularly weird season was to unfold. More

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      Fans convinced there has been a mistake in Europa League draw as baffling new rule is introduced

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      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled with UEFA’s new rule in the Europa League draw.The European governing body has decided that this year there will be no country protection in the play-offs before the group stage.
      Fans are baffled by the new Europa League rule that excludes country protectionCredit: Getty
      That means Zorya Luhansk may face fellow Ukrainian outfit DniproCredit: Getty
      That means two teams from the same nation can actually play against each other in Europe.
      Thus, Zorya Luhansk could face fellow Ukrainian outfit Dnipro in the final qualifying round.
      Dnipro are playing Slavia Prague in the third qualifying round and the winner will square up against Zorya.
      However, fans have yet to adapt to the new rule and some even wondered if UEFA completed yet another blunder during today’s draw.
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      One fan tweeted: “Is the top fixture even allowed to stand btw?
      “Dnipro and Zorya are both Ukrainian and could play each other. Unless I’m wrong about something.”
      Another commented: “Why Zorya can play against Dnipro? I need an explanation.”
      A third said: “In the Uefa Europa League draw, #Dnipro was drawn against the winner between Slavia Prague and #Zorya Luhansk.
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      “Unlike the Champions and Conference League, the 2023/2024 Europa League regulations do not provide so-called “country protection” for the playoff round. Weird. #UELDRAW.”
      This fan wrote: “Dnipro vs Zorya ? How ?”
      And that one wondered: “What is @UEFA doing?”
      Liverpool and Brighton may meet the winner of that exchange in the the Europa League group stage after finishing fifth and sixth respectively in the Premier League last season.
      The Reds and the Seagulls will be joined by West Ham, who won the Europa Conference League. More

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      Former Arsenal star Wojciech Szczesny reveals he thought he was going to die after on-pitch heart scare

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      WOJCIECH SZCZESNY has admitted that he thought he was “going to die” after suffering a heart scare while playing for Juventus.In April, the former Arsenal star felt pains in his chest during the Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon.
      Wojciech Szczesny had a heart scare while playing for JuventusCredit: AFP
      The Polish star admitted that he thought he would ‘die’ on the pitchCredit: Reuters
      The Polish international revealed that he started to feel the pain after passing the ball to one of the defenders.
      Szczesny, 33, claimed that it felt like his heart would “explode”, leaving him fearing for his life.
      He told Canal Plus Polonia: “It was scary. I really thought I was going to die.
      “After passing a ball to the defender, I felt like my heart was about to explode.
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      “During a corner kick, I told [Arkadiusz] Milik I was hurt, but the Sporting players were already taking a corner kick.”
      The former Arsenal goalkeeper took no chances as he started to feel chest pains and immediately called for a substitution.
      Team-mate Manuel Locatelli was first on the scene when the Pole put his hand on his chest and immediately alerted the medics.
      Goal Italia stated at the time that Szczesny reported an increased heart rate and shortness of breath when he came off.
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      Fortunately, tests confirmed that he was fine however did not find the causeCredit: Getty
      Thankfully, Juventus later sent out a tweet confirming that the goalkeeper was fine.
      After more tests, the goalkeeper was found to be fine and returned to the starting line-up for the reverse fixture against Sporting.
      However, Szczesny has admitted that the reasons behind the episode still remain a mystery.
      He added: “The chest pain was horrible.
      “To this day, we don’t know the reason. Probably back or spine problems.”
      Szczesny spent eight years at Arsenal, where he came through the academy, before spending two years on loan at Roma in 2015 and joining Juve permanently in 2017.
      Football has been rocked by a number of heart scares in recent years.
      In horrifying scenes, Christian Eriksen collapsed live on TV during a Euro 2020 clash against Finland.
      The Dane was then forced to take time out of the game as Italian regulations did not permit him to play with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which he had inserted following the incident.
      He then rebuilt his career in a six-month spell at Brentford and is now thriving at Man Utd.
      But Man City legend Sergio Aguero was forced to retire aged just 33
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      He was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after being taken to hospital with breathing difficulties during a Barcelona game. More

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      West Ham fans BANNED from Europa League after leaving Fiorentina player bloodied with missile in final

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      WEST HAM fans have been banned from the club’s first Europa League away game next term after the missile throwing which marred their Conference League triumph.Hammers players pleaded with supporters to calm down following the first half incident in the match in Prague.
      Cristiano Biraghi had his head cut open when he was struck by two hard plastic beer cupsCredit: Rex
      Blood is seen coming from the injury sustainedCredit: Reuters
      Fiorentina defender Cristiano Biraghi had his head cut open when he was struck by two hard plastic beer cups while he was also hit by a disposable vape.
      UEFA announced a throw into the incident the day after the final.
      And European football’s governing body has hit the Hammers hard with a fine as well as the travel ban.
      Uefa announced: “The control and disciplinary body decided to ban West Ham United FC from selling tickets to away supporters for its next two Uefa competition matches.
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      “The second of which being suspended for a probationary period of two years as from the date of this decision, for throwing of objects.”
      West Ham were fined £43,000 for the incident, plus a further £6,900 for the invasion of the pitch by virtually the entire bench including David Moyes as they celebrated Jarrod Bowen’s late winner.
      The Londoners face heading into the season without captain Declan Rice, who is linked with Arsenal and Manchester City.
      But manager David Moyes appeared to suggest he will continue with the club, having led them to silverware for the first time since 1980.
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      He said: “I hope we can continue to make progress.
      “I think we have done over the last two or three years and last night was progress because we won a trophy. It was massive for us to win a trophy.
      “It’s very hard to compete at the top end every season but all you can do is try your best every season and that’s what we do – and next season that’s what we’ll do.”
      Declan Rice with West Ham manager David MoyesCredit: Getty More

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      Jose Mourinho hit with brutal European BAN for X-rated rant at Anthony Taylor that will cost Roma next season

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      JOSE MOURINHO has been slapped with a FOUR-MATCH ban for his antics after the Europa League final.The Portuguese went on a foul-mouthed tirade at referee Anthony Taylor after his Roma side were turned over by Sevilla last month.
      Jose Mourinho launched a scathing rant at Anthony Taylor after the Europa League finalCredit: Reuters
      The Special One branded Taylor a “f***ing disgrace” and a “crook”Credit: PA

      Mourinho, 60, even followed the Premier League official into the car park of the Puskas Arena and branded him a “f***ing disgrace” and a “crook”.
      He also insinuated that Taylor and his PGMOL colleagues “seemed Spanish.” 
      UEFA disciplinary chiefs didn’t take kindly to the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss’ post-match actions and have thrown the book at him.
      The Special One has been hit with a four-match suspension – although it’s unknown whether it’s a pitchside or stadium ban.
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      But the punishment means he’ll miss the group stages of next season’s competition.
      Mourinho’s future at the Stadio Olimpico, however, is well and truly up in the air.
      The veteran manager hinted he could move on to pastures new ahead of the final, saying: “I have spoken to my captain before we came here.
      “And they asked me the same question (whether I would leave).
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      “I won’t tell you, because that is between me and them.
      “But there is a big difference between now and when I was at Inter because even though I hadn’t signed a contract with Real Madrid, everything was done.
      “At this moment in time, I have had no contract with any other club, so very different.

      “And right now it is about us, us, us and this final – and that is the only thing we concentrate on. Sevilla have an incredible history in this competition.
      “Getting to the final is almost run of the mill to them, whereas for us, it’s an extraordinary event, an unforgettable experience.
      Jose Mourinho will miss the group stage of next season’s Europa League campaignCredit: GETTY
      “But I insist, history doesn’t go out there on the pitch, it doesn’t matter in a match like this.”
      Sevilla edged Roma on penalties to hand Mourinho his first-ever defeat in a European final – which was extremely bad-tempered.
      Taylor, who was attacked by angry Roma fans at Budapest airport the following day, dished out a whopping 14 yellow cards – the most ever in a Europa League match.
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      In addition to Mourinho’s punishment, Roma were slapped with a £43,000 fine and banned from selling tickets for their first Europa League game next season due to the “lighting of fireworks, throwing of objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances”. 
      And they were also hit with an additional £4300 fine for “improper conduct”. More

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      Footie cup winner Pablo Fornals gets wed to bride Tania in Spain hours after Europa Conference League victory

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      FOOTIE cup winner Pablo Fornals stars in another big match — his wedding to bride Tania Lara.The West Ham midfielder, 27, married Tania, 26, in his native Spain 48 hours after helping the Hammers win the Europa Conference League trophy.
      West Ham’s Pablo Fornals stars in another big match — his wedding to bride Tania LaraCredit: Splash
      Ex-skipper Mark Noble was a guest at the ceremonyCredit: Splash
      Team-mate Michail Antonio was also on the guest listCredit: Splash
      Spaniard Pablo donned a dapper blue suit whilst his bride opted for flowing, capped-shouldered white wedding dress.
      Team-mates Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna and ex-skipper Mark Noble were among guests.
      On Thursday, the players had embarked on an open-top bus parade around the streets of East London.
      And on Friday, the party continued for a third straight evening as Pablo and Tania tied the knot.
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      The pair then proceeded to sit down in a stunning courtyard as they took in the memorable occasion with friends and family.
      After the wedding, drum beaters dressed in colourful blinking lights provided the music for the guests to dance to.
      Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message.
      It read: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”
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      Angelo Ogbonna was also there to see Pablo tie the knowCredit: Splash
      Pablo was part of the Europa Conference League Final winning team days beforeCredit: Getty More

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      Lisandro Martinez and his stunning partner frolic on a yacht as injured Man Utd star enjoys his off-season

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ is making the most of his time off with a romantic trip on a yacht with his partner.The Manchester United star’s season came to a premature end as he picked up an injury in the Europa League clash against Sevilla.
      Lisandro Martinez and his partner Muri López Benítez have taken a trip on a yachtCredit: Instagram/@lopezbenitezmuri
      The couple met when they were 14Credit: Instagram/@lopezbenitezmuri
      Muri has been by MArtinez’s side during stints at all his clubsCredit: Instagram/@lopezbenitezmuri
      Martinez, 25, was then forced to sit out the rest of the season as he worked on recovering from his fractured metatarsal bone.
      He missed the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which saw his side lose the chance of winning a cup double at Wembley.
      On his holidays during the off-season, Martinez has gotten away with his stunning partner Muri López Benítez.
      The pair have taken a trip on a yacht, soaked up the sun, and enjoyed some coffees on the ship.
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      They have taken the yacht to some stunning places as they relax before the defender returns for pre-season.
      The pair met when they were just 14 years old, and together own a French bulldog called Polo.
      She has been at his side during his meteoric rise – from Newell’s Old Boys to Ajax and now Old Trafford.
      And when she gets the opportunity, she also likes a carnival – dressing up in extraordinary costumes.
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      Muri often shows off her glam existence on social media – wearing designer Balenciaga clobber and enjoying amazing holidays.
      Back in June 2022, they headed to Dubai before taking a romantic trip to the Maldives.
      Martinez currently earns £120,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
      Now United want to reward the centre back for a brilliant debut season in England by upping his basic salary by around £50,000.
      There are no immediate plans to extend his current contract, which runs for another four years.
      Muri also posted this collage of snapsCredit: INSTAGRAM – @lopezbenitezmuri
      Martinez missed the end of the season with an injuryCredit: Getty More