Boston Celtics owner Stephen Pagliuca said NBA president Larry Tannenbaum and former Chelsea captain John Terry had joined his bid to buy the Premier League club.
In a statement on Wednesday, Pagliuca said Tannenbaum, owner of Canada’s Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), has become a “co-manager partner” in Chelsea’s bid.
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MLSE possiede i Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors e Toronto FC.
“Larry is an individual world class which is highly regarded in the global sports community and his experience in sports governance, long-term perspective and experience in civic building are extraordinary resources for our group,” said Pagliuca.
Pagliuca also said that behind his offer was the “True Blues Consortium” of fans and former players, including Terry.
“The group welcomes the approval and support of the True Blues Consortium, an organization dedicated to Chelsea and focused on representing the interests of the club’s fans,” the statement read.
Pagliuca has spoken publicly for the first time of its bid for Chelsea Monday, when he promised to make the club “a real winner.”
“This process has been a troubling time for the football team and the fans,” he said. “Throughout my life and career, my ethos has always been to act calmly and with integrity and let my actions and accomplishments speak aloud.
“However, it is necessary to clarify and reassure the fans about our offer pool and its commitments, to underline how seriously we take our potential responsibility towards Chelsea.
“Later this week we will offer substantial and credible – an offer that we expect will meet the requirements and regulations of the Premier League, the United Kingdom Government and UEFA – and pledge to honor our commitment to the credibility and good management of Chelsea Football Club for a day. “
