Massimo Cellino says he is ‘embarrassed, ashamed and down’ for seeing his takeover of Leeds United blocked, and that he will appeal.
Massimo Cellino says he is ‘embarrassed, ashamed and down’ for seeing his takeover of Leeds United blocked, and that he will appeal.
The Cagliari owner saw his 75 per cent buyout of the English Championship side blocked by the Football League yesterday, after they failed him in their Owners’ and Directors’ Test for his recent conviction of tax evasion.
“I have to appeal. I feel a responsibility to the fans who I am proud to say wanted me,” Cellino has countered today, quote the BBC.
“I am feeling embarrassed, ashamed and down. It's not nice to say. I feel lost. I am not a crook. I didn't come to Leeds to do anything bad.
“I cannot blame the League. The only thing that I can blame is that they have been just taking too much time to give an answer.
“If they give an answer after one month, two months ago, it would have been better for everyone.
“I did everything with a good purpose because I think everything would be all right, like the movies with a beautiful ending. Now it's becoming a nightmare.”
Leeds have communicated their disappointment at the ruling and intention to continue talks with both the Football League and Cellino’s company involved in the takeover attempt, Eleonora Sports.
The Miami-based entrepreneur has described the club as ‘help, blood and money’ in ‘hours, not days’.