Lewis Hamilton on Chelsea bid: I was made to support Arsenal

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, who is part of a consortium bidding to buy Chelsea, has said he was forced to support Arsenal as a child, although he now describes himself as a «sporting fan.»

Hamilton and tennis star Serena Williams have joined a consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton buy Chelsea. Representatives for the seven-time F1 champion said he planned to invest more than £10 million ($13m).

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«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,» Hamilton said.

«I knew all the kids supported someone different, one was Tottenham Hotspur, one was Manchester United. I remember switching between these teams when I was younger and getting home and my sister Sam punching me several times in the arm, basically beat me, saying 'you have to support Arsenal!'

»I remember five, six years old that I then became a supporter of Arsenal. But my Uncle Terry is a big Blues fans so I've been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play. Ultimately I'm a sporting fan — it is the biggest sport in the world and Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world and most successful.

«When I heard about the opportunity I was like, 'wow, this is one of the greatest opportunities to be part of something so great.'»

Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who own multiple sport teams including the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, are also backing Broughton's bid.

Hamilton said he joined the bid with 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams as a way to better engage with the community.

«We did speak about it. We