Off the wire
• Weather forecast for major Chinese cities, regions -- Nov. 3  • Former president of Anhui Broadcasting Corporation stands trial for graft  • Spain's consumer confidence falls by 6.3 points in October  • Major news items in leading German newspapers  • Weather forecast for world cities -- Nov. 3  • Xi: China's child policy change concerns nation's long-term development  • China seeks balanced, sustainable growth in 2016-2020  • Europe, Asia must work together to tackle youth unemployment: Young Leaders Summit  • Chinese vice FM to attend ASEM FM meeting  • 1st Ld: China unveils proposals for formulating 13th five-year plan  
You are here: 　 Home

Espanyol's new Chinese owner sets sights high

Xinhua, November 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Chen Yansheng, the new maximum shareholder of Spanish BBVA Primera Liga club Espanyol, has stressed the need to balance the club's books and maintain the personality of the Barcelona-based outfit.

   It was confirmed on Monday that the 46-year-old owner of the Chinese company, Rastar Group, had taken control of Espanyol after spending around 65 million euros (around 71 million U.S. dollars) on the deal.

   As a man who follows the Spanish league, Chen explained in the Spanish press that it was Espanyol's precarious financial position which had drawn his attention to the club.

   Chen said that he got to know former club president, Dani Sanchez Llibre in China, but it was only when he travelled to speak to him in Barcelona that he "fell in love with the city."

   "It is a very developed city and I am certain that in the future a lot of Chinese companies will follow our example and be based here," he explained.

   Meanwhile, Chen said Espanyol, the traditional city rivals of FC Barcelona, was attractive as "it is a historic club with a huge tradition and also because the club also carries out an important social function. People follow Spanish football a lot in China and we will try and take advantage of the resources of the league to help open up markets and we will be an example for other Chinese companies," he said.

   Despite the injection of money, the new owner said he would not be making changes to the running of the club, explaining his company "was not interventionist and we have confidence in the current people working at the club. We let professionals do their job in distinct areas," he explained.

   However, there will be positive changes, but in the club's economy and also playing staff with new investment and players.

   "We have a long-term plan to solve the financial issue and our second aim is to strengthen the squad and qualify for international competitions. We want a powerful Espanyol," commented Chen, who nevertheless, said the club would strengthen its youth system and even considered bringing in young Chinese players.

   "We are also programming a tour of China with the first team. It will be very important for Espanyol and also for China and we will be pioneers in projects, which I am certain a lot of companies from my country will follow," he concluded.  Endi