Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss André Villas-Boas (AVB) has made a sensational career change after he quit as manager of Chinese side Shanghai SIPG to contest the Dakar Rally in 2018.

AVB, 40, whose uncle competed in the 1982 edition, will drive a Toyota Hilux in the 15-day rally from January 6 through to January 20.

The race kicks off in Peru through Bolivia before it ends in Argentina.

Motorsport enthusiast AVB initially thought about tackling the gruelling race on a motorbike before he was persuaded to switch to the Hilux pick-up.

He is expected to have fellow Portuguese Ruben Faria as his co-driver.

On his decision, AVB said: “I spoke with my friend Alex Doringer, the manager of the KTM team, who told me that I would still need a full year’s preparation to get there and that it was better to consider doing it with a car.”

“So I got in touch with Team Overdrive and here I am!” he added.