May 24 – After hiring seven managers and being banned three times, Massimo Cellino’s spell as owner of Leeds United is over, with Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani taking charge of the giant English club which is still striving to get back to the top flight.
Radrizzani had purchased a 50% stake in Leeds in January for an estimated £25 million with a view to buying the remaining half.
Leeds just missed out on the playoffs at the end of the season and will hope to finally regain their Premier League status next term under new ownership after Cellino’s time in charge was marred by conflict.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to become a custodian of this great football club,” Radrizzani said. “This is a long-term commitment with a lot of hard work ahead of us and I am aware of my responsibilities as owner of Leeds United. I can assure all supporters that everyone at this club will be doing all we can to build a successful team at Elland Road.”
“We have had a positive 12 months and I am inheriting a club with a good squad and talented, hardworking staff. Massimo acquired a club in a difficult financial situation but he has created a sound platform for me to take Leeds United forward into a new era.”
Cellino is now expected to press ahead with plans to invest in Serie B club Brescia having originally sold Cagliari to help finance the running of Leeds.
“If you can survive working with me, you can survive anything,” was his parting comment.
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