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Dan and Ryan Friedkin forced to release shock statement on Roma website after announcing Everton takeover
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EVERTON'S potential new owners have released a statement on the website of AS Roma, who the Friedkin Group also own.
It was announced on Monday afternoon that US billionaire Dan Friedkin had agreed to buy Everton - two months after their original £800million offer fell apart over debt concerns to Miami investment firm 777.
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But after entering exclusive negotiations, the Toffees now look set to have a new majority owner after TFG and departing owner Farhad Moshiri struck a deal over the weekend.
A TFG spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.
"We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.
“We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
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However, while TFG are set to buy Moshiri's 94.1 per cent stake in the Premier League team, there were concerns from Italy regarding their focus on Serie A side Roma.
The Giallorossi have endured a tough start to the season which prompted the sacking of club legend Danielle de Rossi.
And following the news of their Everton takeover, brothers Dan and Ryan Friedkin released a statement on Roma's website addressing concerns.
It said: "Football is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.
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"But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make...
"We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma.
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"If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions.
"Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished.
"Our goal is clear - to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.
"To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future.
Dan and Ryan Friedkin Roma statement in full
Football is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.
But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make.
The transfer signings this summer marked the beginning of a strategic multi-year project designed to bring AS Roma back to the forefront of European football. As part of this vision, the development of a new stadium, which will honor the club’s deep history, is well underway.
Let us say this; we have the utmost respect for Daniele and believe he will have a great career as a coach. Maybe even one day back at Roma. The decision to part ways with him was incredibly difficult, but we made it with the belief that it gives us the best opportunity to compete for trophies this season.
We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. Our goal is clear - to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.
To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud.
Forza Roma.
Dan and Ryan Friedkin
"We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud. Forza Roma."
According to Forbes, CEO of the Friedkin Group, Dan, is worth $7.6billion (£6.4bn).
The agreement to buy Everton, of course, remains subject to approval from the Premier League, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Football Association.
That process may take up to eight weeks to complete.
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Everton's debt currently stands at around £600m, something TFG will look to address.
The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders' new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
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