Hossein Hedayati talks Getafe takeover

Marca – MADRID, Iranian business tycoon Hossein Hedayati has hands-on experience of football administration in his homeland, where he is a celebrity. MARCA caught up with the 51-year-old in his office to discuss the ins and outs of his bid to buy Getafe.

Q: What do you know about Getafe?
A: They’re one of four top-flight clubs in Madrid and are the third biggest of the four. They’re a mid-table side, which is a good thing, and they have a good academy and try to produce their own players, which is a plus.

Q: What is your motivation?
A: I want to get into Spanish football because of my love of the game and the positive energy inside it. I also want to do something for my country and for the people of Madrid and Iran.

Q: You’re aware that you can’t fill the team with Iranian players, right?
A: Yes, I am. However, there are different levels: you have junior football, the youth teams and then the first team. We want to nurture children, helping them grow while teaching them to play football. Just being in La Liga isn’t enough, though: I want to be successful.

Q: When will you talk to [current Getafe president] Ángel Torres?
A; I’ll be travelling to Spain alongside my advisors in November. We reached an agreement when the club’s CEO came to Iran and Mr Torres has signed it via email. We’ll talk face to face when I’m in Spain.