Lerner had backed O'Neill in the transfer market since the latter replaced David O'Leary in August 2006, from which point the Northern Irishman has largely transformed the fortunes of Villa.

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Lazily stretching out across the northern perimeter of the city walls, the Villa Borghese looks down upon the Piazza del Popolo and the trio of busy thoroughfares that flow into the centre of town.

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Out by the Chao Phraya River, the 39-villa Siam hotel is spread over three acres in the exclusive northern Dusit district.

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