Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov told RIA Novosti on Tuesday his heavily indebted club, which he is looking to sell, is worth at least 50 million pounds.
The Russian-born businessman told RIA Novosti last week he is quitting football and is seeking buyers for the Scottish Premier League side, who are thought to be 35 million pounds in debt.
“A lot more has been spent, of course,” Romanov said, adding he had plowed 200 million into the club. “The land is worth 25 million pounds, plus the players, the club with a project, are also worth 25 million. That’s about 50 [million]. It’s not the money I spent, but now that’s what it’s worth.”
Romanov, who made his fortune in manufacturing and banking, bought Hearts with the aim of blooding young talent from Lithuania and splitting the Old Firm dominance of Glasgow Rangers and Celtic. His net worth is reported to stand at 200 million pounds.
The closest he came to achieving his ambition was in 2006, when Hearts finished runner-up to champions Celtic and Rangers came third.
