‘I’ll Make Chelsea Habitual Winners’
Boston Celtics co-owner, Steve Pagliuca, said he reinforced his “substantial and credible” bid for Chelsea yesterday, promising significant investment to make the club “habitual winners.”
The New York-based merchant bank, Raine Group, have set a final deadline of tomorrow for bids to be submitted, with Pagliuca’s proposal one of four to have reached this stage, along with a consortium headed by Los Angeles Lakers part-owner, Todd Boehly, another led by British businessman, Sir Martin Broughton, and a third involving the Ricketts family investment group, who also own the Chicago Cubs.
Pagliuca was a surprise name on the shortlist, given that his bid has largely been shrouded in secrecy, but he released a statement outlining his proposals, which include redeveloping Stamford Bridge and denouncing any resurrection of a European Super League.
“This process has been a disconcerting time for the football club and fans,” he said. “Throughout my life and career, my ethos has always been to operate quietly, with integrity, and let my actions and results speak loudly.
“However, it is imperative to clarify and assure supporters about our bid group and its commitments, to emphasise how seriously we take our potential responsibility to Chelsea.
“Later this week we will submit a substantial and credible bid proposal – one that we expect will meet the respective requirements and regulations of the Premier League, UK Government and UEFA – and we pledge to honour our commitment to credibility and good guardianship of Chelsea Football Club from day one.”
Pagliuca’s acknowledgment of UEFA is potentially significant, as along with a group of investors, he bought a controlling stake in Atalanta, worth an estimated $450 million in February. Pagliuca became co-chairman, as part of the deal, but UEFA rules dictate that if two clubs, majority-owned by the same entity, are ever drawn against each other in competitions, one would have to agree to forfeit.
Both Atalanta and Chelsea played in the Champions League this season, with the Serie A side knocked out in the group stages.
Pagliuca’s commitment to the bid has reportedly been underlined in recent days by the addition of NBA chairman and serial sports investor, Larry Tanenbaum.
Pagliuca was in attendance at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday as Chelsea thrashed Southampton 6-0.
Source:dailyguide
