Alisher Usmanov Delivers Parting Jab As He Relinquishes Shares To Stan Kroenke

Alisher Usmanov reminisces on what could have been in a parting statement…

Alisher Usmanov delivered a parting jab as news of the imminent sale of his shares in Arsenal to majority owner Stan Kroenke circulated.

Usmanov, who’s been involved with the club since David Dein’s departure in 2007, as accumulated a 30% stake in the club during his period at Arsenal.

The Russian has grown frustrated at being shut out at boardroom level and his final throw of the dice was delivered last summer when he made an offer to buy Kroenke out.

It was swiftly rejected and now Usmanov has agreed to sell his share to the majority owner, to much surprise given their fractious relationship.

Despite claiming that he was an ardent Arsenal fan, Usmanov delivered a short statement on what might have been

“I have decided to sell my shares in Arsenal Football Club, which could be the best football club in the world,” he said.

“I wish great success to this wonderful football club and to everyone whose life and career are connected with it.”

Usmanov’s departure will not be felt within the club given his lack of involvement, but it does end the slim hope of having a figure with serious potential to remove Kroenke.

In terms of his next move, his former partner Farhad Moshiri is the majority owner at Everton and one wouldn’t be surprised to see Usmanov rock up there.