The Sheik Speaks
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 10:49 amhttp://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... ys-6284637
City's ambitions 'unlimited' says owner Sheikh Mansour
8 Nov 2013 10:19
Manchester City ambitions are ‘large and unlimited’ according to Blues owner Sheikh Mansour, who added in a rare public statement that the club is only part way though its 'upgrading' process.
In a rare public statement sure to delight supporters, the billionaire Blues’ owner, who has revolutionised the club, has warned rivals that there is more to come.
This week Manuel Pellegrini’s men qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time.
And, despite landing a first Premier League trophy in 44 years in 2012, Sheikh Mansour revealed he is not finished yet.
Speaking at the United Arab Emirates University he said: “Ambitions are large and unlimited,” before adding that the Blues successes so far were only ‘part of the upgrading of the club to the ranks of those that can compete at tournaments in England and Europe’.
Despite planning global domination, Sheikh Mansour was also clear about the homegrown path the Blues’ future will take. He vowed that they will be able to reduce spending on players by bringing youth products through the academy soon to be bolstered by the impressive £120m training complex currently being built across the road from the Etihad Stadium.
Sheikh Mansour, who is estimated to have long since passed the £1bn barrier in terms of money spent since buying the club in 2008, also told his audience that the Blues were the club of the Arab world and that his tenure had raised the profile of Arab ownership overseas.
“We have given a good impression of the Arab investor,” he said.
Fears have been raised over City’s ability to comply with Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations, although club officials are thought to be confident that this will not be an issue.
The Blues are in the midst of a relentless commercial expansion and have lowered their wage bill with the departure of top earners including Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.
And Sheikh Mansour, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, added that feasibility is the most important aspect of his ownership.
Much has been written on the vast amounts spent on transfers since the takeover but the rich supremo was quick to point out that the club was moving towards a more sustainable model.
He said: “The investments are not just to buy players, as some believe, but to establish an academy to develop and train young people on a global level and the development of football in the city of Manchester in general.
“This is a good opportunity for the academy to expand the development of young players which will reduce future spending on buying players.”
Thanks to Sheikh Mansour’s involvement City’s popularity has soared in the UAE and he also told those gathered: “This is your club.”
City's ambitions 'unlimited' says owner Sheikh Mansour
8 Nov 2013 10:19
Manchester City ambitions are ‘large and unlimited’ according to Blues owner Sheikh Mansour, who added in a rare public statement that the club is only part way though its 'upgrading' process.
In a rare public statement sure to delight supporters, the billionaire Blues’ owner, who has revolutionised the club, has warned rivals that there is more to come.
This week Manuel Pellegrini’s men qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time.
And, despite landing a first Premier League trophy in 44 years in 2012, Sheikh Mansour revealed he is not finished yet.
Speaking at the United Arab Emirates University he said: “Ambitions are large and unlimited,” before adding that the Blues successes so far were only ‘part of the upgrading of the club to the ranks of those that can compete at tournaments in England and Europe’.
Despite planning global domination, Sheikh Mansour was also clear about the homegrown path the Blues’ future will take. He vowed that they will be able to reduce spending on players by bringing youth products through the academy soon to be bolstered by the impressive £120m training complex currently being built across the road from the Etihad Stadium.
Sheikh Mansour, who is estimated to have long since passed the £1bn barrier in terms of money spent since buying the club in 2008, also told his audience that the Blues were the club of the Arab world and that his tenure had raised the profile of Arab ownership overseas.
“We have given a good impression of the Arab investor,” he said.
Fears have been raised over City’s ability to comply with Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations, although club officials are thought to be confident that this will not be an issue.
The Blues are in the midst of a relentless commercial expansion and have lowered their wage bill with the departure of top earners including Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.
And Sheikh Mansour, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, added that feasibility is the most important aspect of his ownership.
Much has been written on the vast amounts spent on transfers since the takeover but the rich supremo was quick to point out that the club was moving towards a more sustainable model.
He said: “The investments are not just to buy players, as some believe, but to establish an academy to develop and train young people on a global level and the development of football in the city of Manchester in general.
“This is a good opportunity for the academy to expand the development of young players which will reduce future spending on buying players.”
Thanks to Sheikh Mansour’s involvement City’s popularity has soared in the UAE and he also told those gathered: “This is your club.”