Former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra has launched a brilliant attack on Mike Ashley during his appearance on talkSPORT this morning.
He slates the ‘disgraceful’ NUFC owner, comparing him to a ‘disease’ and calling him out ahead of the appointment of ‘Championship manager’ Steve Bruce, however the most telling part of his rant are the shocking new takeover claims.
Chopra states that he found a Saudi Arabian buyer at the back end of 2018 and held conversations with Lee Charnley over a deal, however the deal was scuppered when Ashley’s lawyer (Andrew Henderson) refused to give them a mandate – despite them having serious interest in buying a club that was ‘up for sale’:
“I found a guy in Saudi Arabia at the end of last year who was very interested in buying the club,”
“We spoke to Lee Charnley and he put us in touch with Andrew Henderson, Mike Ashley’s lawyer.
“We called him up, we wanted the mandate from Andrew Henderson to speak to the guy in Saudi about buying the club. Andrew Henderson said if he’s got that much money, is a royal out there, tell him to fly to London to see me.
“From that, I get that they don’t really want to sell the club. They wouldn’t give a mandate to someone who has found a buyer for the club.”
As a result, Chopra is adamant that Mike Ashley is not actually interested in selling the club.
Considering we’ve now seen Staveley, Kenyon and BZG struggle/fail to complete a deal over the past few years, it’s starting to add up that it’s not the potential buyers who are the issue – it’s Mike Ashley.
A brilliant rant from Chopra with some VERY interesting insights shared too.
Considering talkSPORT often have deluded and misinformed guests on who do not speak for us Newcastle fans, it’s great to see someone come on and set the record straight with some hard hitting and honest facts about Mike Ashley’s disgraceful 12 years at the club.
Well said Michael!
Brilliant – what do you expect the response to be when a washed up nobody phones up and says “I’ve got a bloke from Saudi who wants to buy the club?”
Chopra’s a nobody just trying to make a few quid on the has-been tour.
Lawyers must hear that ten times a week.
Briiian(Quote)
So, someone with direct links to Lee Charnley AND a Saudi capable of buying a football club isn’t worth listening to?
Dave(Quote)
Always something, but always nothing! I’m a new football fan from the USA. I chose Newcastle to support right before Rafa took over and we dropped to the Championship. Since returning to the Premier, I’ve had a first hand look at how a terrible owner can ruin a franchise. If I wasn’t a one team only guy I would have jumped ship along time ago. I’ve grown to love the fans of Newcastle. You guys are the best in Europe. You travel better then all others and are vocal in support. I feel terrible for you all as I know how frustrated I am with this Donkey of an owner. I search the news everyday hoping he sells the team……yea right! This guys and idiot!!!
xEB50x(Quote)