Cairo: ‘No Torino sale talks and Ricci is staying’ | OneFootball

President Urbano Cairo reiterates he has no intention of selling Torino, meeting Red Bull and PIF only for ‘sponsorship reasons’, and Samuele Ricci ‘is certainly staying’ in January.

The rumours have been swirling for months that Cairo is in negotiations to sell the club, fuelled also by the on-going protests from fans against his strategy.

Among the most creditable reports were the links with Red Bull and Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF.

“I met Red Bull in early July because they wanted to know me in order to become a sponsor and that is what happened. We have not met since,” Cairo told Radio Sportiva.

“As for PIF, I have never even met with them. There has been absolutely no contact, it was totally invented. Perhaps some are trying to spread rumours to destabilise the team, but we do not pay attention to such things.”

Torino fans unhappy with Cairo

Samuele Ricci (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

With the fans repeatedly criticising Cairo and his approach, there is a tense situation at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

“I am not selling Toro, but I also don’t want to stay in this role for life. I poured €10m into a Torino side that was on the verge of bankruptcy to keep it alive. I dived into the fray, also inspired by my mother, who was a huge fan of the club.

“If there is someone richer than me who wants it, then let them step forward, I am ready to listen to proposals,” added Cairo.

“Fans are fundamental and some might be against me, it happens, but if you are a Toro supporter then you ought to support the team and be positive.

“I remember when people used to say the most important thing was for us to stay regularly in Serie A, well we have been for 13 years. Of course we can do better, but it could also be worse.”

Cairo was asked about his transfer strategy for the January window and denied Italy international Ricci will be sacrificed.

“I have total faith in coach Paolo Vanoli, the team is with him and we want to intervene in January to give him a few more players. Ricci will certainly remain at Torino.”