Djokovic lands surprise new job alongside ex-F1 stars amid retirement claims

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Novak Djokovic has invested in a former top-flight European football club.

The tennis legend is part of a group of new shareholders at French second tier side Le Mans.

Djokovic has joined the club alongside a pair of ex-Formula One drivers and the partner of a fellow tennis ace.

Le Mans have confirmed an investment from Brazilian group OutField ahead of the upcoming campaign.

It follows their promotion back to Ligue 2 after a five-year absence.

As part of the move, several high-profile athletes have joined the ownership group.

Djokovic is joined by motorsport drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen at Le Mans.

Meanwhile, the founder and CEO of acai brand OakBerry, Georgios Frangulis, is also amongst the investors.

Frangulis is the boyfriend of world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Le Mans president and owner Thierry Gomez confirmed the investments in a statement.

He explained: "As you know, I am entering my tenth year as president of Le Mans FC.

"When I first presented my project to you on July 7, 2016, while the club was playing in National 3 and playing its matches at La Pincenardière, I immediately made it clear that my primary objective would not be to aim for promotion to the higher division at all costs, but to implement a comprehensive project and a path that would allow the club to grow each year.

"I firmly believe that the result is simply the consequence of what we do on a daily basis.

"For nine years, we have worked to structure the club, develop the training of our young players, grow our women's section and bring together all the club's stakeholders, both internal and external (players, coaches, employees, managers, volunteers, partners, supporters).

"At the dawn of this new season, we are pleased to return to Ligue 2 BKT and celebrate our 40th anniversary.

"But we must be aware that the economic model of football has changed, with a tightening of the elite and the arrival of new investors.

"To exist in this new context and hope to continue to grow, we have no other choice but to adapt, because our ambition remains the same: to fill the stadium and share TOGETHER beautiful emotions, like during our last match against Versailles.

"This is why I am happy today to announce the arrival of our new financial partner: OutField, leader in sports investment in Latin America, and Georgios Frangulis, founder and CEO of OakBerry.

"They have the particularity of being a Brazilian investment fund. You know my love for the game... and who better than the Brazilian team symbolizes, in the world of football, the beautiful game?

"The particularity of this fund also lies in its contribution of high-level athletes. Thus, Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen will be part of the adventure."

Djokovic turned 38 back in May but is showing no signs of slowing down on the court.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last month.

He was ultimately beaten by eventual winner Jannik Sinner.

It followed a run to the same stage of the French Open earlier this year where he lost to the same opponent.

Djokovic hinted at his potential retirement after his defeat to Sinner at Roland Garros.

The Serbian explained: "This could have been the last match ever I played here - I don't know. That's why it was a bit more emotional at the end.

"But if this was the farewell match of Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd."

Pressed about his future, he added: "I don't know right now. Twelve months at this point in my career is quite a long time.

"Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months' time here again? I don't know. That's all I can say for the moment."

Based in north-west France, Le Mans were initially founded 40 years ago in 1985.

The former Ligue 1 outfit have not played in the top-flight since 2010 following a chaotic recent history on and off the pitch.

Financial issues following their relegation from the top-flight saw the club drop into the fourth tier of French football.

Le Mans were later forced to reform in the amateur leagues before climbing back up the pyramid.

Having reached Ligue 2 again, they were relegated in 2020 and have spent the past five years in the third tier.

Djokovic's investment follows promotion as runners-up last season.

Les Mucistes will begin the season away to Guingamp on August 9.