Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, has expressed regret over not purchasing Arsenal FC when the club was valued at around $2 billion. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, Dangote revealed that his focus on completing the Dangote refinery project prevented him from pursuing the football club.
“I think that time has passed,” he said. “The last time when we had this interview, I told you as soon as I finish with the refinery, I am going to try and buy Arsenal. But you know everything has gone up and the club too is doing very well. Arsenal is doing extremely well right now.”
Despite his admiration for the club, Dangote acknowledged the financial realities: “I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion so to speak.” He emphasized his dedication as a fan, stating, “I watch their games anytime they are playing. So, I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal.”
Reflecting on his missed opportunity, he added, “Actually, I regret not buying it before but you know my money was more needed in completing my project than buying Arsenal. I would have bought the club for $2 billion but you know I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project.”
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, initially expressed interest in acquiring the North London club in 2020 but has since set aside those ambitions to focus on his business endeavors. The Dangote Group, founded in 1981, is the largest conglomerate in West Africa.
