“I’m sorry it didn’t end as I wanted, I disappointed you all, we did mistakes and paid for it” – Andrea Radrizzani tenders emotional open apology to Leeds Fans as he confirms sale of club to 49ers

Andrea Radrizzani apologises to Leeds United fan for what happened before 49ers takeover
Andrea Radrizzani has broken his silence over the messy end to his time as Leeds United owner to apologise and back the new 49ers ownership.

The Italian agreed a week ago (9 June) to sell his shares to the American after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League and he became involved in a takeover of Sampdoria.

His era saw major highs with Marcelo Bielsa in charge, but he left under a cloud after reportedly trying to put Elland Road up as collateral to secure a loan for his purchase of the Italian side [The Athletic, 1 June], and he has now admitted that he “disappointed” the fanbase with how things ended.

Responding to a positive message from a Whites fan on Twitter the former owner wrote: “We had 3 years of exciting football with Marcelo and an historical moments for the Club LUFC.

“I am sorry it didn’t end as I wanted and I disappointed you all. We did mistakes and we paid a big price for it. I am sure the Club is in good hands and have a bright future.”

In true Radrizzani-style the acknowledgement of the failings that ended his tenure didn’t come in an official communication but a response on social media to a single fan.

The message is unlikely to make many supporters feel differently about the Italian now he is no longer in charge, after the uncertainty around the club dragged on past the end of a messy season that ended in relegation.

The entire Sampdoria complication, and most importantly the episode around the attempted loan, helped foster an image that he was more focused on the Italian club and had left Leeds United as an afterthought while still in charge.

With the Whites still looking to appoint a first manager of the 49ers era that delay has had an ongoing knock-on effect.

Radrizzani paid a big financial price for the mistakes since he received far less in the sale of his 56% majority share in the club than he would have for a Premier League outfit.

But it is the fans who will be dealing with the effects going forward now that he has moved on, so while it is at least some positive that he acknowledges the mistakes – in stark contrast to his dismissive response to The Athletic over the Elland Road loan report – the damage is already done.

He would of course like to focus on the Bielsa years, but since the Argentine was sacked it is hard to point to anything that has been a real success and the former chairman has to take responsibility for that.