FLORENCE, Italy: Fiorentina's owners have declared they are putting the Italian Serie A side up for sale following mounting fan protests over their management.
The Della Valle family - owners of luxury goods maker Tod's - took over the club in 2002 after it was demoted to the fourth tier due to bankruptcy.
After two seasons it was back in Serie A, but supporters have recently grown increasingly restless with what they see as a lack of investment. Fiorentina finished eighth last season.
Matters have boiled over recently wih Viola fans venting their anger at news that popular Spanish midfielder Borja Valero could be leaving the club for rivals Inter Milan.
"You're even selling the family silver. Della Valle, leave," was the message on a banner hung outside Fiorentina's Artemio Franchi ground on Saturday.
On Monday, the club owners published a statement on the club's official website declaring their willingness to sell should the right offer present itself.
"ACF Fiorentina's ownership announces it is absolutely available, given the dissatisfaction on the part of the supporters, to stand aside and put the club at the disposal of those who want to buy it in order to manage it as they feel is right," the statement read.
"This is the time when those who love the purple jersey and believe the club can be managed differently and more successfully must come forward.
"The owners are available to welcome concrete offers, obviously only by those who really love the purple jersey and have the seriousness and solidity necessary to drive a demanding club such as Fiorentina."
- Log in to post comments