If money is what Rafa Benitez is after…
Newcastle United remains up for sale and several unexpected figures have been linked with takeover bids for the Premier League club.
Supporters are crying out for Mike Ashley to part ways with the club and we’ve already seen rumours of bids from WWE CEO Vince McMahon and Turkish billionaire Murat Ülker rubbished in recent months.
Arguably the most bonkers rumour yet though has seen Floyd Mayweather linked with a takeover bid for the Magpies.
In a Daily Star report from the weekend, the 50-0 boxing legend has been quoted as declaring an interest in potentially investing in Newcastle United.
Mayweather, whose recent teases of a mixed martial arts debut have largely been dismissed as efforts to keep his name in the headlines since his retirement, also sensationally claimed that he would attempt to persuade close friend Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the Premier League and see his playing career out at St. James’ Park.
“You better believe if I were to invest in Newcastle I would be back partying there often,” Mayweather is quoted as saying.
“I love Newcastle. Those guys like to party as hard as any city I have been to anywhere in the world. I met some of the players last year – and they are good guys. I am always open to new business opportunities and I love all sports, but I invest with my head not my heart.
“Investing with your heart is the quickest way to lose money. But if somebody put together a business plan and my people looking over it and went ‘Floyd that can make money’ then I would invest. Soccer might not be my game but I’ve got connections everywhere.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has been a long-time supporter and buddy of mine, so I might even be able to get him to finish his career off at Newcastle.”
Last year, Mayweather became the first boxer to earn $1 billion so he would hypothetically be able to afford most Premier League clubs but Ashley is reportedly playing hardball and is eager to make a profit on his 2007 investment.
One thing is for sure, supporters shouldn’t hold their breath on Mayweather actually bidding for the club because this is most likely just the latest example of ‘Money’ saying something outlandish to generate publicity for his brand.
