Lewis Hamilton breaks silence over Chelsea bid and says he was forced to support Arsenal
The 37-year-old has described the chance to own minor stake in Premier League club as “one of the greatest opportunities” amid the ongoing takeover saga at Stamford Bridge.
Sir Lewis Hamilton has confirmed that he is part of a bid to buy Chelsea, describing the opportunity to hold a minor stake in the Premier League clubs as “one of the greatest opportunities.”
The seven-times Formula 1 champion, in addition to tennis superstar Serena Williams, have joined a bid being led by former British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton to take over from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Hamilton, whose personal wealth is estimated to be about £260million, will invest several million should the bid, one of three on a shortlist currently being evaluated, be successful and he may take up a formal role with the club promoting diversity and inclusion. A decision around a preferred bidder could be made early next week.
“I do, very much so,” the 37-year-old said when asked if he is interested at a press conference before this weekend’s Emilia Romagna grand prix. “I’ve been a football fan since I was a kid and played from the age of four to about 17, I played in my school team every year through my childhood. I’ve been to numerous games.”
Hamilton also explained how he came to be an Arsenal supporter – by his sister physically forcing him to.
But stressed that his previous affiliation with the north London side will have no impact on his interest in a role at Stamford Bridge.
“When I was young, around the corner from where I lived I played football with all the kids and a couple of my close friends,” he added. “I really wanted to fit in. I was the only kid of colour there but the kids all supported someone different.
