US group inks deal to buy AS Roma

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Apr 16 (AFP): A group of American investors led by Boston-based private equity tycoon Thomas DiBenedetto have signed a deal to buy Italian football club Roma, making it the first Serie A club to have foreign ownership. "The deal is done," DiBenedetto said at a press conference after completing the formalities along with Paolo Fiorentino, vice president of Unicredit bank. "There have been complicated points, but I never felt like giving up. I was determined to overcome the obstacles and thanks to the patience of the banks and our partners, we have passed those difficulties. "I am proud of my Italian origins and for this reason I will do big things. "I didn't expect so much attention. I knew of the great passion from the Romans and this has been one of the reasons for doing this. I share this passion. I never played, but my father played in the American Soccer League." Unicredit last year became co-owner of the cash-strapped club and will have a share of the new ownership company.