Gabriele Volpi reveals the three reasons why he sold Spezia to Robert Platek and insists he will never buy Sampdoria o Genoa.
American businessman Robert Platek has completed Spezia’s takeover with the deal that was announced yesterday.
But why did Volpi sell the club?
“There are three reasons,” the former Spezia owner told Il Secolo XIX.
Gabriele Volpi reveals the three reasons why he sold Spezia to Robert Platek and insists he will never buy Sampdoria o Genoa.
American businessman Robert Platek has completed Spezia’s takeover with the deal that was announced yesterday.
But why did Volpi sell the club?
“There are three reasons,” the former Spezia owner told Il Secolo XIX.
“First of all, I spent the 90% of my time in Africa and when I return I want to relax on my boat, without locking myself inside an office to manage a football club.
“Secondly, I think this was a rare chance to sell the club to an affordable group that can repeat what we did and possibly better it.”
Volpi has interests in oil logistics, real estate and was the second shareholder of Banca Carige.
His estimated net worth is about €3 billion, he is one of the richest Italians abroad and the richest Italian in Africa.
“We have other businesses, we have 44 restaurants, we are working well in Porto Marghera and there are more projects,” Volpi continued.
“I am 78 and I give employment to 7-8,000 people. I am not going to waste money and energy in football, I am not going to buy Sampdoria or Genoa, I will never do it, also out of respect for Spezia.”