London (AP) – Lewis Hamilton has also explained his involvement in a possible takeover of Chelsea with his former passion for football. When he was young, he played football with the boys around the corner, said the 37-year-old Formula 1 record world champion in Imola.
He has been a football fan since childhood, emphasized the Briton, who is an investor in a consortium that wants to take over the English football club.
Hamilton confirmed this again. “When I heard about it I was like, Wow, this is one of the greatest opportunities to be a part of something big.” He didn’t name any numbers, but emphasized: “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
British multi-millionaire Sir Martin Broughton is leading the consortium. Years ago, he was briefly chairman of the board of Liverpool FC, but privately he is said to be a supporter of Chelsea FC. Broughton spoke to him on the phone and explained what he and his team would do if they were awarded the contract. “And that is very much in line with my values,” said Hamilton, who in turn spoke to tennis player Serena Williams: “I told her I was involved and she was happy to participate.”
Hamilton also explained that he became an Arsenal fan when he was five or six, but his uncle is a passionate supporter of city rivals Chelsea. Together they would have seen many games of the two teams in the stadium.
Broughton’s consortium, which includes former track and field gold medalist Sebastian Coe, is one of three remaining bidders for Chelsea. The club is set to change hands for an estimated £2.5bn.
The previous owner, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, put the London-based club up for sale before it was hit with harsh sanctions by the British government over its alleged closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sanctions also hit Chelsea.