Andrea Locatelli is the new name in Livorno. Those who follow football, and not only, have been able to read about Tyrrhenian the news that the Livorno-born entrepreneur wants to take the club currently in the hands of the president Exit. Below is the interview with Locatelli, who explains projects and prospects, revealing details on the ongoing negotiation.
Locatelli, do you want to buy Livorno?
«No, wait. I have a project for Livorno but I am not the “master”. I’ll tell you more: this project is the furthest thing that can exist from the concept of “master””.
Let’s go in order. It therefore confirms that there is a negotiation.
«I confirm that there is a desire to take over US Livorno, absolutely yes».
Have you already spoken to Esciua?
«I tried to keep the news of our interest confidential as much as possible, in fact we have been working on the project for a while. When I realized that the news was about to come out, that is, on the afternoon of Thursday 2 May, I immediately contacted President Esciua to inform him completely before the news was in the public domain. I’ve tried several ways but so far I’ve had no answers. But it’s not a problem, I’m sure we’ll talk soon.”
Do you have an offer ready? Is there money already on the table?
“I’m not someone who makes negotiations without having the money ready.”
How much?
«An important and adequate sum for the purchase of Livorno».
Last year Livorno was paid 600 thousand euros by Esciua. Will it be a similar amount?
«The numbers are said at the negotiating table, not in the newspapers. However, the offer money is already deposited by a notary and available. I repeat, this is my way of dealing.”
But what if Esciua doesn’t want to give in?
“We hope he does.”
Can you tell us something about your project?
«It is a project studied down to the smallest detail, perfect for a square like Livorno. Solid and ambitious.”
Why solid? What makes you so sure?
«I told you, when I start a negotiation, I want to have solid shoulders. I have with me a group of entrepreneurs who were fascinated by the project and who gave me their support in an instant. Not in words, or in “speeches” as we Livorno people say. But with facts. By depositing the money.”
Entrepreneurs from Livorno?
«Also, but not only».
But isn’t this a matter of popular ownership?
«No, popular ownership is too complicated, in my opinion it has fragile foundations. We need solid foundations first and then people’s participation.”
Are you referring to the German football model?
«Let’s say that the mixed model that includes entrepreneurs and fans is absolutely winning. In Germany there are full stadiums everywhere, a sense of belonging to your team has been created which is impressive. Look what happens even in the lowest categories. That is football’s lifeline. I was born in Livorno, I lived on football and do you know what I got tired of? ».
About what?
«Of owners who arrive, command, look at the fans from top to bottom. Football has now become a speculation, the love for the shirt is no longer there. The last great patrons were Sensi, Moratti, Berlusconi but they too had to leave because the costs were unsustainable. Now “funds” are appearing, i.e. speculation movements where the only objective is profit. And if there’s no profit, they’ll make you go bankrupt.”
And what does she intend to do?
«We will hold a major public initiative, in Livorno, shortly after the middle of the month, to explain the project to everyone. I tell you as a preview that those who have always loved Livorno are already with me. By my side”.
