The Academy Award-winning actor has acquired an interest in Leeds United.
Russell Crowe, a film icon, has backed the new Leeds United ownership to make his beloved football team successful again. Crowe, a well-known Leeds fan, recently purchased a modest part in the club following 49ers Enterprises’ majority purchase from Andrea Radrizzani last summer.
The Academy Award winner is one of many well-known figures who have invested in Leeds, including American Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and Major League Golf champion Jordan Speith. Crowe only just revealed his minor ownership share, which he had previously kept confidential, despite the fact that the film and music star had long been connected to a takeover.
The Australian is no new to sports ventures, having previously owned the NRL rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs, which won the Grand Final while under his management. On the Chris Moyles Show this morning to promote his Glastonbury debut, fellow Leeds United supporter Moyles asked Crowe about his recent purchase of a share in Leeds and his aspirations for the club’s future.
“It just came up about a year ago or so when the 49er family was figuring out what their future plans were,” Crowe remarked when asked about his minority investment in the club. “So, you know, it came down the line.
“So I placed some trust together. I believe the 49ers, who are sports-oriented, have a plan. It’s a great proposal for the entire city of Leeds, not just the Leeds football team. And I think they’ll be quite successful.”
While Crowe’s investment in Leeds is currently tiny, he was once close to purchasing the club, as he has recently admitted. While his interest in purchasing the club has been publicized several times, the actor claims he was only a phone call away from owning it when Massimo Cellion took over as chairman in 2014.
