Latest news with #VascoDaGama
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Aston Villa ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho's contract some 654 DAYS after ex-Barcelona star last played for them
ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho's contract some 654 days after he last played for them. The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he's scored eight times in 43 outings. 2 2 Coutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago. But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock Barcelona loan permanent for £17million. And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge. Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerard. But standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex- Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings. And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month. He's not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery's men look to balance the books. Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs. There is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three. Emery is preparing for several incomings too. Marco Asensio's loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent. While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
The European city that feels like an outdoor art gallery with ‘rollercoaster' trams and riverfront rooftop bars
THE mark of a good trip for me is the answer to the question: Would you go back? And after spending a mere 24 hours in Lisbon two years ago, I've been desperate to return. 5 5 On our first trip we barely scratched the surface of the city but we ticked off some of the star attractions, like St Jorge's Castle and the neo-gothic Santa Justa elevator, which whisks you vertically from the lower streets to those above. This time, bearing a Lisboa card, which gives access to 51 museums and galleries, my husband and I were keen to see more. Our fab hotel, the Hyatt Regency Lisbon, was based in the Belem area so we started exploring there after visiting Pasteis de Belem for one of the city's famous pastéis de nata. Forget the cold, stodgy British custard tart, this is something else. A light, creamy filling in a sticky filo pastry case, best warm, straight from the oven. This patisserie is the home of the original tart, based on a secret recipe from nearby Jerónimos monastery, and has been churning out millions of them since 1837. It's a short walk from there to the 16th century Belem Tower. The Unesco heritage site is stunning architecturally and historically but wait times can hit the two-hour mark. The incredible structure seems to float on water when the tide is up. Green wine Also in the neighbourhood is the Monument to the Discoveries, which towers over the Tagus River in honour of famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. See that too before taking the 15-minute tram ride back to the city centre. We alighted at the bustling Praca do Comercio square and found ourselves outside the oddly named Interpretative Centre of the History of Cod. As it was included on the Lisboa card, we decided to take a look. It's actually an informative and amusing museum dedicated to the city's intrepid trawlermen. And that gave us an idea for lunch. Many top chefs have stalls in the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, so you can try their top-notch food at a fraction of restaurant prices. I had a huge, steaming bowl of feijoada de gambas (prawn bean stew) from acclaimed chef Susana Felicidade for just £13.50 and my husband had a cod sandwich, which he declared the best ever. We toasted those brave fishermen with a glass of Portuguese vinho verde. It translates as green wine but refers to the young age of the grapes, not the colour of the drink. It's slightly effervescent and lower in both alcohol and price. Refreshed and refuelled, we spent an hour or so wandering the streets and ended up at the Tile Museum. The blue and white tiles that decorate many of the city's buildings are so beautiful, this is more art gallery than museum. Don't miss the panorama made of hundreds of tiles on the top floor. Our next excursion was a trip on Tram 28. Lisbon is famously hilly but has a network of trams, buses and funiculars to whizz you up and down the inclines. Tram 28 follows a 7km route up, down and round the city streets, like an urban rollercoaster. It still uses the original 1930s yellow carriages and gets very busy, so join at either end of the line and stand at the back for the full teeth-rattling experience. 5 5 There are three funiculars too. We took the supremely instagrammable Bica funicular, which hauled us to the top of the street in the time you can say 'shall we take a selfie?' Having done our exploring for the day, we got back to the hotel in time for Gin O'Clock, a tasting session that pairs infused drinks with gourmet snacks. Who knew beef tartare and caviar went with juniper and grapefruit gin? Later we ate at the hotel's Viseversa restaurant, dining on more local fish, this time delicious turbot and sea bream. Then there was one last treat, a nightcap at the Icon rooftop bar. Judging by the amount of instagramming going on, it's the place to go for a drink. We sipped espresso martinis as a DJ played and night fell over the river. Best of all, we only had to jump in the lift to get back to our incredibly luxurious room. The next morning, with only a few hours before our flight, we had a leisurely breakfast and some time in the Serenity Spa. My husband relaxed in the pool, Jacuzzi and steam room while I was treated to a Feel The Algarve massage — 80 minutes of blissful indulgence. We left feeling like VIPs. So I guess the question is: Would we go back a third time? The answer: Yes, without doubt. I'd gladly take another helping of pastel de nata, and of the city itself.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Philippe Coutinho interview is stopped after GUNSHOTS are heard at his side's training ground - as former Liverpool midfielder's loan from Aston Villa takes a shock turn
An interview involving former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho had to be paused after gunshots were heard at his latest side's training ground. The Brazilian has spent the season on loan in his native Brazil, playing for Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro in Serie A while still technically contracted to Aston Villa. He has suffered a tough time since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in 2018, initially moving for £130million. After just a few months of struggling to settle, he headed on loan to Bayern Munich, but things didn't work out there either. Another loan spell would see him enjoy a brief career revival under former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, and his move was made permanent, with Villa coughing up £17m for his services. Things soon went south, however, and last season he went on loan to Al Duhail in Qatar before heading to Brazil for this campaign. He will almost certainly be released by Villa when his contract expires at the end of next season, if nothing is agreed before that. He may now want to think twice about heading back to Vasco da Gama, though, after his interview was paused due to some background noise. In the clip of the interview with Brazilian TV channel Globo, Coutinho could be seen speaking before the gunshots were heard, resulting in a smirk. He then began laughing, before continuing the interview, when more shots were heard. While still talking, Coutinho closed his eyes before laughing again. The midfielder then appeared to talk to someone behind the camera before his smile dropped and he began pointing to seemingly try and work out where they were coming from. More than 20 shots in total were heard during the 32-second clip. According to Globo, the training ground - Moacyr Barbosa - was opened in 2020 and is located near Cidade de Deus, which is a region that has seen a high number of violent incidents in recent years. Club staff have described hearing gunshots as normal, with the noise suggested to be due to the heavy presence of police in the area. Coutinho's side last won a trophy in 2011, and are currently 13th in the Brazilian top flight.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Shocking moment ex-Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho's interview interrupted by gunshots
GUNSHOTS interrupted a TV interview with Liverpool legend Philippe Coutinho. Loud gunfire likewise erupted when his Vasco da Gama team-mates Leo Jardim and Nuno Moreira went in front of the camera pitchside. 4 Fans were shocked by the scenes in Rio de Janeiro - but many were amazed above all by the reaction of all three players. Former Barcelona midfielder Coutinho, 32, paused when the shots cracked out, before turning around grinning and sharing a jokey comment. His fellow Brazilian, ex- Lille keeper Jardim, burst out laughing. And Portuguese winger Moreira stood calmly with a smile on his face before crossing his arms. Four of Brazil's biggest teams are in the high-crime city of Rio. Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo and Flamengo are bitter rivals. But some areas of the city - usually impoverished neighbourhoods called favellas - have a history of gang violence. And when clips of the interviews were posted online, fans were stunned by how the three stars made light of gunshots. One fan wrote: "The craziest thing is that no one even moves. Like normalizing things is really scary." Another posted: "The tranquility of the Carioca people[Rio residents] listening to the bullets flying still impresses me. " 4 But a third argued: "Embarrassing. They have to move the training centre out of the middle of this favela. It's embarrassing. For the love of God." A fourth pointed out: "Vasco and Fluminense's training centers are on the same street, practically next to Cidade de Deus. "It's not a good location. But when it comes to the city of Rio de Janeiro, no place is a good place." And a fifth madean even more sobering claim. They wrote: "This is Rio de Janeiro without makeup, not what the authorities try to sell to outsiders. Most Cariocas (sur)vive daily under these conditions of imminent risk when leaving their homes. Devastating and revolting." Coutinho is on loan in his home country from Aston Villa after spending last season with Qatari club Al-Duhail SC. His career has gone downhill since following five scintillating years at Liverpool with a £142million move to Barcelona in 2018. 4
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Fernando Diniz Enjoys Vasco Da Gama Home Debut
Coach Fernando Diniz of Vasco Da Gama celebrates his first win as manager of Vasco Da Gama after a ... More Brasileirao 2025 match between Vasco da Gama and Fortaleza at Sao Januario Stadium on May 17, 2025 V for Vasco and V for victory. Fernando Diniz, ex-Brazilian national team coach, has started a new journey as the head coach of Rio de Janeiro giant Vasco da Gama. In the last week Diniz has led Vasco to home successes in the league and the cup; endearing himself to the São Januário faithful. Fernando Diniz was probably the most hyped manager in Brazil across the last few years. In 2023 he led Fluminense to a first ever Copa Libertadores title and the bold style of football on display had commentators calling him the Pep Guardiola of South America. Fluminense head coach Fernando Diniz celebrates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia ... More Semi-Final match between Fluminense and Al Ahly FC at King Abdullah Sports City on December 18, 2023 Despite a heavy defeat to Manchester City in the subsequent Club World Cup final, videos surfaced from that game of Diniz's team playing out from the back like any Guardiola side might have done at its peak. Except this was against a Guardiola side at its peak. This summed up Diniz's dedication to his brave playing style and showed just how far he had taken a Fluminense team that wouldn't of had the Copa Libertadores in sight without him. After that incredible spell with Flu, Diniz was awarded the dream role; head coach of the Brazilian national team. Diniz was allowed six matches in charge of his country. Two wins, one draw and three losses obviously wasn't a good enough record and Diniz was dismissed after just a few months on the job. RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 21: Fernando Diniz, head coach of Brazil before FIFA World Cup ... More 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was a tough managerial situation. Diniz made key changes to the squad. He inherited a team that had been struggling a lot, and more than anything he was trying to completely change the way Brazil played. On one hand, this might have been naive, but on the other, it is exactly why he was employed and so perhaps he should have been given more time to mould the team into the style that had proved so successful with Flu. When you consider that his successor Dorival Junior would meet the same fate and be relieved of his duties after 16 games in charge, it makes you wonder why Brazil and the federation didn't give the Diniz and his project the proper period of time to function. Since then Cruzeiro backed Diniz as the manager of its next big project with a revamped squad ready to take on the Brazilian league. Again, a slow start and poor form saw Diniz leave the exit door after just a few months at the club. An uneasy recent record for sure, but Diniz is still a big personality with a big reputation and Vasco da Gama have taken a chance on him. A tricky tie awaited Diniz in his first big game as boss of Vasco. His team travelled to Buenos Aires to play against Lanús in the Copa Sudamericana and were defeated 1-0. However since then two home games have put a positive spin on his opening few days at the club. Vasco da Gama's head coach Fernando Diniz gives instructions to his players during the Copa ... More Sudamericana group stage football match between Argentina's Lanus and Brazil's Vasco da Gama at the Ciudad de Lanus stadium in Lanus, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Diniz's team smashed Fortaleza 3-0 at home in his league debut. It was only Vasco's third win of the league campaign, now having played nine games, and it was by far the most emphatic. More importantly; Diniz left the field to the Vasco crowd singing his name, with both parties hopeful of good things to come. Days later a dramatic home tie saw Vasco concede deep into stoppage time against second division side Operário. The late goal meant penalties, but Vasco advanced after spot-kicks to keep the Diniz momentum going and of course move into the next round of the Brazilian Cup. Diniz has a style on the pitch and a way with words off it. He is an inspiring character as he sticks to his ideals, lives and breathes football and is also known to show empathy and comment on social issues. For Vasco, 'the peoples club' in Rio de Janeiro, this could prove to be a match made in heaven. It's a decent start for Diniz, but there is a long way to go. ernando Diniz, Head Coach of Vasco da Gama, looks on prior to the match between Vasco and Operario ... More as part of Copa do Brasil 2025 at Sao Januario Stadium on May 20, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
