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UFC star Conor McGregor has reiterated his desire to buy a football club, with Manchester United, Celtic and Chelsea all on his radar.
The 33-year-old said on social media this week that he would like to “explore” the prospect of purchasing Chelsea after Roman Abramovich confirmed his intention to sell up.
He has also previously signalled his interest in purchasing United from the Glazer family and the stake of fellow Irishman Dermot Desmond in Celtic.
McGregor’s latest comments were met with scepticism given Abramovich’s reported £3billion valuation of Chelsea, but he insisted he is serious about his interest.
“I do not speak in jest,” he posted on his personal Twitter account on Sunday in tweets that were seemingly deleted soon after. “I am exploring this, as I said.
“Celtic from Dermot Desmond, Manchester United from the Glaziers [sic], and now the recently up for sale Chelsea football club. All being explored.
“A football franchise purchase is in my future make no mistake about it.”
McGregor has accumulated significant wealth through a number of high-profile bouts, including a crossover into boxing when taking on Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
He moved into the world of business when launching a whiskey brand in 2018 and the Irishman is determined to add a sports team to his profile.
“Everyday I ball,” he added. “How wouldn’t I lead a team of young, dedicated athletes to glory. I’m perfect for the job. Pray it’s your team.”
McGregor has been joined by several others in showing an interest in purchasing Chelsea, with Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak reportedly already in talks with Abramovich.
Long-serving owner Abramovich announced on Wednesday he had taken the “incredibly difficult” decision to put the club up for sale.
In a statement, he said the sale “will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process”, adding he will not be asking for loans to be repaid by the club.
That decision came amid the threat of sanctions against further Russian businesses and high-profile individuals following the country’s invasion of Ukraine last week.
