Syed outlines Racing ambitions

New Racing Santander owner Ahsan Ali Syed intends to compete with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Syed’s Western Gulf Advisory group purchased Racing on January 22, but with the club an unremarkable 13th in the La Liga table, they are unlikely to challenge the top two this season.

Racing have never won a trophy in their 98-year history and are relative minnows compared to the illustrious outfits at the Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu.

But Indian businessman Syed – who was linked with a takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers in 2010 – has lofty ambitions for the future of his latest investment.

“When La Liga is watched all across the world today, the first two teams that come to mind are Real Madrid or Barca,” Syed said.

“So I am sure there is a place for a third one. That is what global recognition is all about.”

“As I have already said in public, I will provide everything possible to see Racing grow in the world of football.”

“But I think that for more than financial investments it will require a lot of other investments, intellectual investments. It will require a lot of talent in the team.”

“That does not necessarily mean that if you are very aggressive, with huge money pouring in the club, the club will do wonders. That is not the case.”

“But I personally feel that I want to make this club grow slowly, steadily but strongly, so that it can sustain whatever position it reaches for a longer time.”

“I want to make Racing a timeless institution in years to come.”