“I would like to inform you that my company shares, belonging to CN Sport, will be made available free of charge in the hands of the mayor”. It is the key phrase of the note through which Nicola Canonico announces his definitive farewell to Calcio Foggia 1920. Goodbye which, said in a nutshell, easily suggests that the negotiation with the American fund for the sale of the club – which only a few days ago was date in advanced state – it has definitely been cancelled.
Nonetheless, the entrepreneur from Palo del Colle does not give up on his intentions to leave the club. And he announces it: “Today it is with a mixture of gratitude and regret that I turn to you to share an important decision regarding my involvement in Calcio Foggia 1920. After three years of commitment and dedication, the time has come for me to conclude this experience”.
The motivations are above all non-football: “During my time in Foggia, we faced significant challenges and fought to preserve the integrity of the club despite adversity. Unfortunately, over the course of these years, I have had to face not only sporting difficulties, but also a series of intimidations and personal insults which compromised the climate around the club.”
“I would like to be clear about my intentions and the reasons for this decision. I have always believed in the potential of Calcio Foggia 1920 – adds Canonico – and I have worked tirelessly to defend and promote the interests of the club and its community of fans. However, the the toxic climate and the personal threats I had to face made it impossible to continue dedicating my commitment and passion to Calcio Foggia 1920.” He then thanks coach Cudini, his staff, players, managers and all the club’s staff: “Their tireless work and dedication to the club were essential in facing the challenges we encountered”.
The thanks precede the most important communication, namely the decision to place the shares of CN Sport in the hands of the mayor. But he is keen to point out that he will not sell them to anyone: “With the exception of that group of entrepreneurs who made an offer to Calcio Foggia 1920 last year. These entrepreneurs offered a proposal that damaged my intelligence and therefore I will not will be included in this offer.”
A not so veiled reference to Salandra and La Torre, and to their sponsorship proposal formulated in the summer of 2023 and not considered appropriate by the current Rossoneri patron. He dedicates the gloss to those who would have offended and threatened him: “The complaints do not only concern the ongoing investigation conducted by the Bari District Anti-Mafia Directorate, but are mainly aimed at defending my dignity and ensuring that these unacceptable behaviors do not remain unpunished. I express my sincere gratitude to all those who shared this wonderful adventure with me and I wish Calcio Foggia 1920 and its community the best for the future.”
