Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca on Chelsea bid: I'll make them 'habitual winners'

Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca said he reinforced his «substantial and credible» bid for Chelsea on Tuesday, promising significant investment to make the club «habitual winners.»

The New York-based merchant bank Raine Group have set a final deadline of Thursday for bids to be submitted with Pagliuca's proposal one of four to have reached this stage along with a consortium headed by Los Angeles Lakers part-owner Todd Boehly, another led by British businessman Sir Martin Broughton and a third involving the Ricketts family investment group, who also own the Chicago Cubs.

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Pagliuca was a surprise name on the shortlist given his bid has largely been shrouded in secrecy, but he released a statement outlining his proposals which include redeveloping Stamford Bridge and denouncing any resurrection of a European Super League.

«This process has been a disconcerting time for the football club and fans,» he said. «Throughout my life and career, my ethos has always been to operate quietly, with integrity, and let my actions and results speak loudly.

»However, it is imperative to clarify and assure supporters about our bid group and its commitments, to emphasise how seriously we take our potential responsibility to Chelsea.

«Later this week we will submit a substantial and credible bid proposal — one that we expect will meet the respective requirements and regulations of the Premier League, UK Government and UEFA — and we pledge to honour our commitment to credibility and good guardianship of Chelsea Football Club from day one.»

Pagliuca's acknowledgment of UEFA is potentially significant as along with a group of investors, he