The owner of Sheffield United wants to dominate the French Second Division Club

DBasia.news – Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad of Saudi Arabia is rumored to be the new owner of French second division club, Chateauroux.

After becoming the owner of the football club Sheffield United in the Premier League, Beerschot in Belgium, Kerala United in India, and Al Hilal United in the United Arab Emirates, the Pangran will soon have a new team in his portfolio.

“We were interested in Chateauroux for some time, and negotiations are taking a while,” Prince Abdullah stated.

“The position of the club which is currently in the second division standings is experiencing some difficulties, but I am optimistic about the future,” said the 56 year old man.

Chateauroux currently competes in the French second division with just four wins in 28 games this season.

The prince, who once held a sports portfolio in the Saudi Arabian cabinet, gave his company, United World the green light to purchase the French club.

“I love sports and money,” mentioned the man whose personal fortune is estimated at 200 million euros (Rp3.4 trillion).

“When I invest in England and Belgium, I’m happy. But for France, I have a special feeling because it’s a country that reminds me of my childhood.”

“My memories are many and my younger brother (prince) Abdulrahman was born there.”

“I know Chateauroux is not far from Paris, another reason I love France, apart from the restaurants, cafes and beautiful streets of Paris.”

French media estimates that Chateauroux will be purchased for 2.8 million euros (Rp47, 7 billion), which is considered cheap.

“I think the amount is higher but I don’t want to divulge it,” Abdullah continued.

Chateauroux spent just one season at the French top flight in 1997-98. The club entered the French Cup final in 2004, but lost 0-1 against Paris Saint Germain.

“When we purchase a club, we have a goal. To improve the club level, the facilities and the team level, the most important thing is to do it over time,” Abdullah concluded.

The prince claimed to have followed French football for years and called Michel Platini his idol.