Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed US businessman John Textor completes Lyon takeover.
Aulas said: “We agreed, we shook hands overnight via video and at 3 a.m. Monday everything was signed.
“John wanted me to stay… it wasn’t an obligation but a wish of the fans.
“OL… has stretched its wings beyond the borders, it has got a brand known everywhere, it is the 20th club in the world, so why would I show up and want to change any of that.”
John Textor held a press conference alongside Jean-Michel Aulas in which he mentioned: “We want to do something unique. I’m leaving [Jean-Michel Aulas] a lot of freedom because he is very knowledgeable about football and the French market, he knows the business well.”
“I don’t like projects like PSG’s. If we continue to do what Jean-Michel has for several years and that we bring in entertainment and technology, we’ll be able to earn more money that with a Qatari investor.”
“I’ve seen people in Brazil with Crystal Palace shirts and people with Botafogo tops on in a London pub. That’s what I want with Lyon, that there be a community between the fans.”
“Here, Aulas has done a great job with football, basketball all of the infrastructure you see and the women’s team. For us in the United States, that’s amazing. We’re bringing in money with Jamie [Salter] and Bill Foley, two friends. We’re investing with our own money.”
