Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has told media he plans to walk away from coaching within the next decade.
His reason? He loves motorcycles, almost to the point of obsession.
“For me, there is a limit and, in the next five to ten years, I will quit coaching” said the 35-year-old. “To compete in the Dakar Rally is a lifetime ambition for me and is something I know I have to do.”
The Dakar Rally is a rally raid off-road marathon race with different classes, including car, truck, and motorcycle classes. The race ended in Dakar, Senegal every year since its inception in 1978 up to 2009 when it has since been moved to various locations.”
The Portugese boss said what started as a hobby has grown much bigger in importance.
“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.”
Villas-Boas loves racing and often attends high-profile events. He was recently seen at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at the end of May, which is where the picture above was taken.
In an article in the Guardian from last September, Villas-Boas talked of his love for motorcycles, and even then mentioned the Dakar Rally as a target, foreshadowing what would become an obsession.
“I have a couple of bikes from the Dakar Rally,” he said. “One is in my collection and the other I ride. I have a bit of a crazy head so I have enduro-bikes. I go into mountains with the big rocks and almost kill myself. It feels fantastic. It’s my escape, my passion. You feel the need for it. Riding is adrenaline-fuelled and feels good. We all have our passions and respond in different ways. Makes you feel good. I would love to do Paris-Dakar, yes. It’s expensive. But maybe it’s something for when my career ends.”
Despite the crazy head, he ultimately wants to be judged on his performances on the pitch when he does decide to call it quits on the touchline.
“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. I just want to be proud of my career. I try to play good football with the teams I join and this is the recognition that fulfils me. I do not know where my career will take me. What I do know is that it will not last too long.”