Leeds United's history, tradition and fans were vital for investment, says Andrea Radrizzani

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani says the ‘history, tradition and fans’ attracted him to invest in the Elland Road football club.

The 46-year-old initially purchased a 50 per cent stake from fellow Italian and previous owner Massimo Cellino in January 2017, before completing a full takeover of the club in the following summer.

Radrizzani’s reign in West Yorkshire has been hugely successful to date after a number of early learning curves, having overseen vast changes both on and off the pitch in LS11 following a turbulent period.

The Whites ended a 16-year exile from the Premier League this summer which was a culmination of three years of hard work in the boardroom for Radrizzani and his team.

The appointment of head coach Marcelo Bielsa in 2018, though, has been the catalyst in changing the fortunes of the Italian’s outfit around between the white lines with the Argentine masterminding promotion back to England’s elite at the second attempt.

Radrizzani has previously revealed he was turned towards Leeds after a chance encounter with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, who told him all about the West Yorkshire giants and their potential.

After doing his due diligence on teams in Spain and Italy whilst looking for investment opportunities within the game, he opted instead for England and Leeds and says once he had done his research they were the glaringly obvious choice.

“In England because the Premier League is the most important league in the world, and this involves the greatest appreciation for their teams,” Radrizzani said over his Leeds investment.

“Leeds because they are one of the few clubs in the world with enormous potential for its history, traditions and fans.

“The football club required a turnaround, which is what we are doing. The opportunity is truly great.”

Asked why he took the leap to invest in football and not another sector, he said: “First of all my passion for football, indeed probably my passion has changed over time more for the ‘football business’.

“I am convinced that this entrepreneurial and not just passionate approach makes a difference and I try to rationalise all decisions, for the good of the club.”