Why I regret not buying Arsenal Football Club – Dangote

• Posted on September 25, 2024September 25, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has voiced his regret for not acquiring Premier League club Arsenal FC, admitting that the opportunity has likely passed him by. 

In an interview with Bloomberg in New York, Dangote who is Africa’s richest man reflected on his initial interest in purchasing the club when its valuation was around $2 billion.

Dangote had previously expressed intentions to pursue the North London club after completing his refinery project. 

However, he revealed that his financial focus shifted to the refinery, which ultimately prevented him from making a bid for Arsenal.

He said, “I think that time has passed. The last time when we had this interview, I told you as soon as I finish with the refinery, I am going to try and buy Arsenal.

“But you know everything has gone up and the club too is doing very well, Arsenal is doing extremely well right now. That time Arsenal wasn’t doing well.

“I think I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion so to speak and use it as a promotional something.

“But what I will do is to continually be the biggest fan of Arsenal. I watch their games anytime they are playing. So, I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal.’

When asked if he regretted not buying when Arsenal’s value was lower, he said: “Actually, I regret not buying it before but you know my money was more needed in completing my project (Dangote refinery) than buying Arsenal. I would have bought the club for $2 billion but you know I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project. So, It was either I finish my project or go and buy Arsenal.”