Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo declared that he preferred to renovate the Stadio Friuli rather than build a new stadium on the outskirts of Udine and that there were periods in which he wanted to sell the club.
The stadium has been undergoing renovations that have been virtually completed for the 2015-16 season and the 74-year-old Zebrette patron was content to have updated the old facility instead of constructing something new.
“It has been 10 years since we have been speaking about the stadium,” Pozzo said in a press conference.
“I had also spoken with the mayor of Pasian di Prato, who had spaces available for the construction of a new ground.
“I also received a proposal a from Campoformido, in both cases we saved [the land].
“I saw that they all know it is more expensive to renovate an old facility rather than build a new one but I refused so I [could] restore the Friuli.”
Pozzo also said that he wanted to sell Udinese on a few occasions but now he wants the club to remain a family business.
“I can also reveal that in the past I have made attempts to sell the club, I wanted to go,” Pozzo added.
“The children insisted I stay and now this club is run by my son Gino together with valid and heroic collaborators.”
