September 24, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has publicly expressed his regret over not acquiring Arsenal Football Club, a prestigious English Premier League team.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, Dangote shared his long-standing admiration for the club and his past interest in purchasing it.
The CEO said he would have gotten the ownership of the club when the team was valued around $2billion.
He said, “I think that time has passed. The last time when we had this interview, I told you as soon as I finish with the refinery, I am going to try and buy Arsenal.
“But you know everything has gone up and the club too is doing very well, Arsenal is doing extremely well right now. That time Arsenal wasn’t doing well.
“I think I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion so to speak and use it as a promotional something.
“But what I will do is to continually be the biggest fan of Arsenal. I watch their games anytime they are playing. So, I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal.’
When asked if he regrets not taking the advantage to buy the football club, he said, “I still regret not buying Arsenal, It’s a club with a rich history and passionate fan base. I believe my business acumen and resources would have taken the team to even greater heights.”
Dangote’s interest in Arsenal dates back to 2020, but the businessman Refinery Project hindered his ambition for the North London club.
“I would have bought the club for $2 billion but you know I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project. So, It was either I finish my project or go and buy Arsenal.” He said.
