Celta president denies sale

Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has rejected reports of him selling the club to a Chinese group, but confirmed offers had been made.

Citic Group, a Chinese conglomerate, were reportedly finalising negotiations to buy the Galician club for around €150m.

Celta appeal strongly to investment after they announced last year they had no debt.

"The only thing certain is that I have not sold my shares," the 74-year-old Mourino, who bought Celta in 2006, told a news conference.

"I want what is best for Celta and I will do what is best for the club. We have received several offers and the last one arrived on Monday.”

Mourino has now offered to purchase the club's Balaidos home, which is currently undergoing renovations, from Vigo's town hall.

"I'm committed to acquiring the Balaidos stadium from the city and to pay in the space of 10 years for the renovations, putting as a guarantee my shares of the club," the president continued.

"All of the benefits from the commercial exploitation would go to the club.

"If we do not give Celta the [financial] capacity that other teams have, then I see Celta's future weakened.

"Due to my age, my tiredness and disenchantment, if there is nothing that I see that pays off for me to be away from my family, the time will come for me to leave."

Tags Carlos Mourino
La Liga - Club News