September 4 – Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo has bought a 51% stake in in LaLiga side Real Valladolid for €30 million.
Ronaldo bought his stake from club president Carlos Suarez who owned 66% of the club. Ronaldo is expected to take over the presidency.
“I’ve gone through many stages in my football career to prepare for this,” said Ronaldo at a ceremony at Valladolid’s city hall. “Football is all about passion. We want to build the best team possible to compete while also giving information about our management with transparency. I want this new management to be defined in four words: competitiveness, transparency, revolution and social.”
Valladolid are back in LaLiga’s top tier after a four absence, but are reportedly carrying a €25 million debt. They currently lie 16th in the league and have yet to win a game.
Ronaldo asked fans to “trust us to consolidate Real Valladolid in La Liga and for us to be able to grow the enthusiasm that exists. We have the best staff to achieve our aim and our objectives, which are to continue to grow as far as our enthusiasm allows us to.
“I invite the fans to take part in this project. Give us ideas, opinions, criticism and hope. I want you to be a part of the present and future of Real Valladolid. Together, I’m convinced that it will be very difficult to beat us.”
Valladolid mayor Oscar Puente welcomed Ronaldo saying: “It’s the 90th anniversary of the club, Valladolid has returned to the place it deserves and we’ve had record numbers of members joining the club.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714483060labto1714483060ofdlr1714483060owedi1714483060sni@n1714483060osloh1714483060cin.l1714483060uap1714483060