Radrizzani completes takeover at Leeds United
Massimo Cellino’s three-year reign as Leeds United owner is over.
The controversial Italian has sold his remaining 50% stake to fellow countryman Andrea Radrizzani, who purchased half of the Championship club in January.
Radrizzani, who will become the club’s chairman, is the chairman of Aser Group and co-founder of international sports media rights company MP & Silva.
He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to become a custodian of this great football club.
“The heritage and history of Leeds United attracted me to the club and having spent time at games and at Thorp Arch, I can see that we are ready to move forward to the next level.
“This is a long-term commitment, there is 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.”
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani
The club has already made two moves with personnel – chief executive Ben Mansford left on Friday after a year at Elland Road, while it is reported that the club will activate a 12-month option it has on manager Garry Monk.
At 11 months Monk was Cellino’s longest-serving manager, the seventh of a trigger-happy reign which saw two managers – Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanič – get just six games each before they were sacked.
Cellino’s time in charge has been marked by FA bans, fans’ protests, and – with the exception of a period of optimism this season – underwhelming on-the-field performances.
Cellino added: “I have been proud to work at Leeds United, with nice people who have worked at the club with me.
“If you can survive working with me, you can survive anything!”
Radrizzani paid tribute to the work of Cellino, who he has worked alongside in recent months as part of the handover.
“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,” he said.
