The mayor of Valladolid has welcomed news that former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo Nazario could buy the city’s club.
The reported €30m deal would see the former Brazil international become the newly promoted club’s president, replacing Carlos Suarez – who will remain on the club’s board – in the role.
“He is a sports world icon and the operation seems interesting,” Valladolid mayor Oscar Puente is reported as saying by ESPN FC.
“Along with Michael Jordan, he is the only person that has a lifetime contract with Nike. It would bring a lot of value to Valladolid.”
The news originally broke on Cadena Ser’s El Larguero programme last week, following reports earlier this year that such a move was possible.
Former Valladolid president Jose Moro was Ronaldo’s former partner in a wine business, while Diario AS cite Ronaldo as saying in January: “I would like to buy a team in the second division of Spain or England. I want to do something innovative.”
Since those comments, Valladolid have been promoted the top flight after a five-year absence – drawing their opening game at Girona before a narrow loss to Barca.
The Brazilian had previously owned a stake in American side Fort Lauderdale Strikers before their dissolution in 2016.
