Austrian star Hinteregger is a qualified helicopter pilot with high ambitions

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Austria star Martin Hinteregger appears to have his post-football career planned out – and has already earned his helicopter pilot's licence.

Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Hinteregger will be hoping he can help his side secure a place in the last-16 at Euro 2020 this evening.

The Austrian's face Ukraine, having picked up a convincing 3-1 win over minnows North Macedonia before falling short against Netherlands in a 2-0 defeat.

But regardless of how the rest of the tournament goes, Hinteregger will no doubt be planning to spend plenty of the rest of his summer in the skies.

Most players will probably be dreaming of glamorous holidays once the Euro's come to a close.

But qualified helicopter pilot Hinteregger is most likely just looking forward to flying high, having stated that taking to the skies is not just a "hobby" for him, and that he dreams of potentially taking flying up full-time once he hangs up his boots.

"I don't just see it as a hobby," Hinteregger told Goal and DAZN. "My goal is maybe after my career to be a rescue pilot or working for the police.

"Maybe also offer sightseeing flights. After a lot of deliberation, that could do me pretty well.

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"There is still time until then and it remains a hobby for the time being. I enjoy having the privilege to fly a helicopter."

Hinteregger has become known in the Bundesliga for his quirky yet down to earth character.

And he says that his fashion choices often make him stand out among fellow footballers who have more expensive tastes.

"I may have some unusual characteristics. Not bad or good, but funny maybe," Hinteregger added.

"I often go out in a hunting jacket and this strange hat. And when I'm next to Kevin Trapp or Timothy Chandler, who are always well dressed, I look out of place. But I don't mind. My team-mates get used to it.

"And if I did go out in Gucci or Louis Vuitton, or whatever the name would be…I would feel uncomfortable."

Unfortunately, Hinteregger admits that he has had problems sleeping in the past, but says that meeting with a psychologist helped him get back on track with his rest.

"There were phases when I had a month maybe and slept for an hour or two a day," he continued.

"It could not go on like that. I was not too cowardly to ask for help with this. Talking to a psychologist was good for me. Now I sleep normally again."

• Euro 2020

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