Formula One superstar Sir Lewis Hamilton has opened up on why he has joined Sir Martin Broughton's bid to buy Chelsea, despite being a self-confessed Arsenal fan.
It was revealed on Thursday that Hamilton and tennis legend Serena Williams have each committed at least £10m to help the former British Airways boss in his final bid, with Broughton directly competing against Stephen Pagliuca and Todd Boehly to buy the Stamford Bridge club.
Hamilton discussed his involvement in the consortium ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, confirming his intent to help buy Chelsea and revealing his connections to the Blues despite supporting London rivals Arsenal.
"I do, very much so, yes," Hamilton replied when asked if he has any interest in becoming a part-owner of Chelsea.
"I've been a football fan since I was a kid, I played football probably from the age of four until I was 17. I was in teams every year, I was in the school team every year through my childhood.
"I've been to numerous games. When I was young, around the corner from where I lived, I used to play football with all the kids and a couple of close friends at the time. I really wanted to fit in, I was the only kid of colour there.
"I know the kids all supported someone different - one was Tottenham, one was Man Utd - and I remember switching between these teams when I was younger and getting home and my sister punching several times in the arm, basically saying I have to support Arsenal.
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"I remember at five or six years old I became a supporter of Arsenal but my uncle Terry is a big Blues fan and I've been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play.
"Ultimately, I'm a sporting fan. It [football] is the biggest sport in the world, Chelsea is one of the biggest and most successful clubs in the world. When I heard about this opportunity, I was like 'wow, this is one of the greatest opportunities to be a part of something'. It's so great."
Source : 90min