American billionaire Dan Friedkin on Monday promised to make Rome “one of the biggest names in world football” after finalizing its acquisition of 591 million euros ($700 million) from the Italian club.
Friedkin, 54, is back in the Serie A squad after nine years, his compatriot James Pallotta, 62.
“We are very happy to enroll in the AS Roma family,” Friedkin said.
“As one fan recently wrote, ‘Take our iconic club and make it one of the biggest names in world football.’
“We intend to do just that. Our commitment to the Roma is total.We will be very profitable in Rome, a city that occupies a special position in our hearts, as we embark on this exciting journey.”
“Our vision for the club and the team is to focus on a long-term sustainable investment technique than fast solutions.
We acknowledge that we have been entrusted to a team that is an important component of the soul of Rome, and it is a duty that we will take very seriously and humbly.
Friedkin, in Houston, is the ceo of a consortium involved in the automotive, hotel and entertainment industries.
The Friedkin Group, Romulus and Remus Investments LLC, bought the 86.6% controlling stake in Rome and will launch a mandatory takeover offer for the remaining 13.4% of the capital percentage, the club said.in a press release.
Friedkin succeeds Pallotta as club president on a new committee that includes his son Ryan, the remaining CEO of Guido Fienga.
Pallotta bought two-thirds of the club’s shares in 2012, but had retained 100 percent since 2014.
– “Special Club” –
But the Boston businessman had been unpopular with the club’s enthusiasts for his rare appearances in Italy and his handling of player transfers and the departures of club legends Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, of which they were expelled from the club.
Rome has had recurring monetary difficulties and has been sanctioned by the governing body of European football, UEFA, for violations of monetary fair play.
As a result, the club is very active in the moving market, promoting its most productive players, to the chagrin of the hobby.
Pallotta’s great task had been the structuring of a new stadium in the south of the capital that was delayed by legal and bureaucratic problems, and remains in the planning phase.
The spotlight on Pallotta’s reign, the club’s sensational 3-0, dates back to the Champions League rematch in 2018 to beat Barcelona, before wasting Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Pallotta said: “I would like to wish Dan, Ryan and everyone in AS Roma, the players and the fans, that good luck for the future.
“Like each and every Fan of Rome in the world, I actually hope that the Friedkin Group will be able to take advantage of what we have done over the last 8 years, transform Rome into a de facto foreign club, and take Rome to the next level.
“It’s an incredibly special club and I’m leaving with a lot of unforgettable memories.”
The club earned its third Serie A name in 2001, but has won silver titles since the Italian Cup in 2008.
This season they finished fifth, without the most sensible European festival for the time in a row.
Friedkin told Roma fans: “We will finish with you as we expand this club and challenge for trophies in the future.
“We can’t wait to get to the paintings and start our new season.”
(AFP)
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