SAN FRANCISCO, September 03, (THEWILL) – Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo has taken control of Real Valladolid after buying 51 percent of the La Liga club´s shares, it was announced on Monday.
Ronaldo, 42, acquired the majority stake from club president Carlos Suarez, who owned 66 percent, on Monday for €30 million.
He was unveiled as the new primary owner in a ceremony at Valladolid’s city hall and is expected to take over the role of president.
At a press conference held in the city´s town hall, Valladolid president Carlos Suarez said: “Today is a starting point. Ronaldo personally acquires 51 percent of the shares of Real Valladolid.
“He is an idol that loves and spreads a dream.”
“I’ve gone through many stages in my football career to prepare for this,” Ronaldo said.
“Football is all about passion. We want to build the best team possible to compete while also giving information about our management with transparency.
“I want this new management to be defined in four words: competitiveness, transparency, revolution and social.
“I invite the fans to take part in this project. Give us ideas, opinions, criticism and hope. I want you to be a part of the present and future of Real Valladolid. Together, I’m convinced that it will be very difficult to beat us.”
A two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, Ronaldo played six seasons in La Liga — one for Barcelona in 1996-97 and five for Real Madrid, beginning in 2002-03.
He was previously a minority owner of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, a team in the North American Soccer League, but they folded in 2016, two years after he bought in.
