Ex-Man Utd striker Giuseppe Rossi slams the Glazers and says he’d sign for breakaway club FC United of Manchester ‘in a heartbeat’.
The 35 year old also criticised the American owners, claiming that they do not care if their team win or lose.
Rossi joined the Red Devils as a 17-year-old, and made 14 appearances, scoring four goals.
He went on to play for the likes of Villarreal, Fiorentina, Levante, Celta de Vigo, Genoa and Real Salt Lake, but now he’s opened up on his thoughts about Manchester United’s current owners, the Glazers, claiming the Americans do not care.
Speaking on the podcast, ‘ The Michael Anthony Show ‘, Rossi said: “If your first thought is about the commercial part is how am I able to, make a buck on this sport, then you’re really starting off on the wrong foot. I mean, you have to have people who love the game that wants to grow the game that wants to give the right product to the fans, and how you start that from the ground up.
“The people that are put into positions of power, who are they? They are not football people. They don’t give a s*** if Manchester United wins or loses. If you go talk to these United fans about the Glazers, they’re gonna go crazy, right?
“And rightfully so. I mean I like they don’t care. There’s no care there’s no love, there’s no attachment to what they own to what they represent there’s such a divide between the people who are the true fans…they don’t care”
Rossi was also questioned if he would consider joining Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit FC United of Manchester, the breakaway club which was founded by fans who decided they were no longer supporting Manchester United when the Glazers took over.
He said: “If there’s ever that opportunity, man, I would take it in a heartbeat just because of how I love to see the old fans continue to bring forth those old traditions.
“It doesn’t have nothing to do with having leather seats while I’m sitting down. Nothing to do with players making $10 million and having two players that are worth $100 million. It has nothing to do with it. And I think you know the beliefs that FC United had are the right ones and the right ones to bring forth.”
Days after the interview, FC United issued a statement on the Glazer family’s potential sale of Manchester United.
They said: “FC United of Manchester welcomes with cautious optimism the news that the Glazer family is considering selling Manchester United Football Club.
“The Glazers’ ownership of Manchester United has been an unmitigated disaster with more than a billion pounds taken from the club and its supporters. Thousands of Reds fought against Malcolm Glazer’s hostile takeover in 2005 and his sons remain unwelcome today, so it’s good news they may finally be relinquishing their control of the club.
“We hope any potential new owners will treat Manchester United and the fans with the respect we all deserve. However, it should be noted that any sale won’t magically change the deep-rooted issues in modern football, where supporters are regularly treated with disdain.
“In the last 20 years, numerous football clubs across the UK have become playthings of rich benefactors with dubious morals and ethics. The ill-fated and outrageous European Super League proposal last year demonstrated that these people do not value or respect the fans, who are – and always will be – the lifeblood of the game.
“The 2022 World Cup, which has been dogged by controversy and allegations of corruption, is currently being held in a country with an oppressive regime and an appalling human rights record. This illustrates once again just how low modern football has fallen and how much it must change to truly become the people’s game.
“Due to this, the fight continues. Regardless of who owns Manchester United, FC United will continue to offer affordable football for everyone at our fan-funded Broadhurst Park ground. We remain committed to our one-member, one-vote ethos and our mission of working with and supporting the communities of Moston, north Manchester and beyond.
“We welcome any individuals or businesses who share our vision and want to be involved in our journey to see football, fans and the community united. Please take a look at the numerous football, community and commercial opportunities available with our not-for-profit club.
“We’ll never die, we’ll keep the red flag flying high.”
MAN UTD STATEMENT
Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU), one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.
The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company. This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders.
Executive Co-Chairmen and Directors, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives. We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future. Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”
The Raine Group is acting as the Company’s exclusive financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is legal counsel to the Company.
Rothschild and Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to the Glazer family shareholders.
There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the Company. Manchester United does not intend to make further announcements regarding the review unless and until the Board has approved a specific transaction or other course of action requiring a formal announcement.
Fans reacted as the ex-Man Utd striker slams the Glazers and says he’d sign for FC United ‘in a heartbeat’…
@jamiesense_: Another one. We need more and more ex players to slam the glazers.
@JayFowler_7: Yes @ManUtd – No doubt that the Glazers are no good for the club! They don’t care about football, they forget without football there wouldn’t be a United!!! #GlazersOut #MUFC
@yremogtnomnagol: Get him signed up
@Zutroy85: LAD 🇮🇹
@matthirtyfive: Reno sign him up!
@MUFC_Pog_Pals: Here we fucking go
@ahickey100: It always amazes me how few ex-players ever call out the Glazers. Shows how little they care. Probably paid to keep quiet #GlazersOut
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