City sale to be sealed on Tuesday

12 April 2012

Manchester City have announced the club will formally change hands on Tuesday after the investment group led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed completed the due diligence process.

The Abu Dhabi United Group will take over ownership of the club from UK Sports Investments Ltd, which was led by former Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra.

Shinawatra said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Manchester City and watching the team progress in such a short space of time."

He added: "When I bought Manchester City the club had been languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League and had an uncertain future.

"We invested in new talent and management and have been delighted by the success that has brought to the club."

Thaksin, who will stay on as honorary president of the club, added: "The supporters of Manchester City have been wonderful to me. They have made my family and me welcome, and we have enjoyed meeting them enormously. They are passionate about their football club and deserve success.

"My financial position has changed in the last 15 months, and I thus felt it was in the best interests of everyone associated with the club that I hand over the reins to new owners who share similar ambitions and visions to my own for Manchester City.

"I am flattered that they have asked me to remain with the club as honorary president and I look forward to attending as many matches as I can and watching the new owners build on the platform we have established in the last 15 months.

"Finally, may I thank the city council for their support to the club and also to the staff of Manchester City for all their hard work and dedication, I wish them all continued success for the future. I would also like to thank Victor Restis for his support and commitment to the club.

"Last but not least, may I thank His Highness Sheikh Mansour for his kind support to Manchester City and to my family during my difficult time - which will never be forgotten."

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