Boca Juniors Appoint Gago as Head Coach

Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)
Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)
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Boca Juniors Appoint Gago as Head Coach

Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)
Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)

Boca Juniors have appointed Fernando Gago as their new head coach, the club announced on Monday, with the former Argentina international returning to the team where he made his senior debut in 2004.

The 38-year-old replaces Diego Martinez, who resigned last month after three consecutive defeats in Argentina's top flight.

"Gago signed his contract with Boca and is the new Xeneize coach. Welcome home, Fernando," Boca wrote on X.

The former defensive midfielder had spells with Real Madrid, Roma and Valencia before returning to Argentine football in 2013 to play for Boca once again. He ended his playing career with Velez Sarsfield.

As a manager, he led Racing Club to the Argentine Champions Trophy and the International Super Cup after a spell at Aldosivi de Mar del Plata.

Gago, who took over at Chivas in December, had said on Thursday he would leave the Mexican club.



Zelenskiy Lauds Champion Usyk’s Perseverance in Victory over Fury in Riyadh

 Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
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Zelenskiy Lauds Champion Usyk’s Perseverance in Victory over Fury in Riyadh

 Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury to retain the WBA (Super), WBO and WBC world heavyweight titles in Riyadh, saying the boxer embodied the fighting spirit of Ukrainians.

Undefeated Usyk, who took Fury's WBC belt in their first bout in May, beat the British two-time world champion in the rematch by unanimous decision, handing him the second loss of his professional career.

"Victory! So important and so needed by all of us right now," Zelenskiy, who had led Ukraine in its war with Russia since Moscow invaded its neighbor in 2022, wrote on X.

"By defending his championship belt, Oleksandr Usyk proves: we are Ukrainians and we will not give up what is ours! No matter how hard it gets - we will overcome everything.

"Whether it is in the ring, on the battlefield or in the diplomatic arena - we will fight and we will not give up what is ours! Congratulations on your victory, Cossack! Congratulations on your victory, Ukraine!"

Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, who enlisted in the Ukrainian military reserves before Russia's invasion, was at the Kingdom Arena to witness Usyk's victory.

"Ukraine is fortunate to have you. You're a true standard-bearer of our resilience... glory to Ukraine," Klitschko wrote on X.