“I regret not buying Arsenal”: Aliko Dangote Reflects on Missed Opportunity
Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, has voiced his regret over passing up the chance to acquire Premier League club Arsenal for $2 billion. His candid acknowledgment highlights the weight of this missed opportunity in the world of football. Explore why this decision still lingers in his mind!
In a recent Bloomberg TV interview in New York, billionaire Aliko Dangote candidly acknowledged that the moment to purchase Arsenal has passed, with the club’s valuation now around $4 billion.
Back in 2020, Dangote had expressed his intention to buy the North London club once his refinery project was complete. As of September 2024, he stands as Africa’s second-richest individual, with a net worth of $13.4 billion. However, he noted that he no longer has the liquidity to justify spending $4 billion on the club.
“I think that time has passed,” he remarked. “When we last spoke, I was eager to buy Arsenal, but the landscape has changed. The club is thriving now, unlike when I first considered the purchase.”
While he regretted not seizing the opportunity when Arsenal was valued at $2 billion, he emphasized that investing in his refinery was the right decision. “I needed my funds for my projects rather than buying Arsenal. I could have acquired it, but it would have jeopardized my refinery completion.”
Despite his regrets, Dangote remains a devoted Arsenal fan. “I’ll always be their biggest supporter, watching their games and cheering them on. But right now, purchasing Arsenal doesn’t make sense.” He concluded, reflecting on his choices, “I regret not buying Arsenal earlier, but completing my project was the right move.”
