Russell Crowe no longer pursuing takeover of Leeds United

Ever since Russell Crowe suggested on Twitter he may beinterested in buying Championship club Leeds United at the beginning of the year, many fans have wondered if the Oscar-winning actor was actually serious.

Today they finally got their answer as Crowe took to Twitter once again to confirm that he will not be pursuing a takeover bid of the West Yorkshire club.

Although the Australian actor admitted buying Leeds would be a “massive opportunity”, he would not be able to fully commit to the club.

Crowe, who has been a Leeds supporter since childhood and has an estimated net worth of £48m, currently co-owns Australian rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs.

In a series of tweets, Crow said: “@LUFC These are my discoveries, my musings and my personal truth. I stand by my belief that LUFC is a massive opportunity. When my trusted associates tested the idea, we found multiple potential.

“I’m 51, I answered questions on a topic, a passion…I did not create the agenda. As you may well know in 2006, I took over the 1908 formed South Sydney Rugby League team. 9 years of hard yakka later we broke a 43 year drought and won!!

“So I know what it takes. I’ve been through it, I look at the Mighty Leeds opportunity and I evaluate it through the time stolen from my kids. Economics tell the folks in my organisation we could smash this, but, I know the personal toll it takes, and I know, without my actual hands on the wheel in Leeds I can’t guarantee investors a return. I’ve loved Leeds all my life. I will always.

“I will not though steal anymore time from my children. It’s that simple. think about this…there’s a hundred thousand who will match on together at least, stand up Leeds. Stand and be counted…#marchingontogether.”

Leeds’ current owner, Massimo Cellino, bought the club from Bahrain investment firm Gulf Finance House Capital in December 2013.

However, the Italian businessman was disqualified from running Leeds by the Football League in January following his conviction in Italy for tax evasion. He is now running the club after serving his suspension.

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