Rapper Drake has emerged as the unlikely saviour of Serie A club Venezia, raking in a massive £35 million rescue package to pull the Italian side back from the brink of bankruptcy.
The 'God's Plan' singer flexed his financial muscles alongside other investors and raised the life-saving funds required to revive the cash-strapped Venice-based outfit. Thanks to this significant cash injection, Venezia are set to return to Italy's top footballing league following their recent promotion via Serie B play-offs a tear-jerking twist for the club that last graced Serie A in the 2021-22 season but was later weighed down by debts after splurging £17 million on player signings.
Venezia faced a dire financial crunch, their coffers nearly empty, threatening to capsize the historical club. That was until chart-topper Drake entered the scene, helping to round up an investment dream team to inject an immediate €10 million with another €30 million following suit, ensuring Venezia a lifeline just when things looked bleakest.
Brad Katsuyama, co-owner of Venezia, revealed the behind-the-scenes drama to GQ Italy about how Drake became involved in the football fairy tale through a pivotal conversation with Matte Babel, the artist's chief brand officer.
"I spoke to Drake, then Brad and I discussed the details of how we could help," admitted Katsuyama. "Within two weeks we had a deal, raised the money needed to pay the salaries and avoid bankruptcy. Matte was my first call when I knew the club needed help."
He detailed the swift financial rescue orchestrated by the Canadian superstar's intervention. Paying his respects to the star for the boost he brings, Katsuyama stated: "Drake's value to any football club is undeniable, given his scale as a global superstar and the reach of his brand.
"This intersection of culture and sport is exactly where we want to be, and the chance to collaborate with a brand like NOCTA, who is moving along the same lines, is incredibly valuable."
Venezia's top brass Rob Hamwee also expressed his positive vision for what lies ahead, detailing their long-term ambitions targeting European glory. He articulated the club's ten-year plan, aiming to break into the Champions League in the not-too-distant future.
"We believe we have all the ingredients necessary for long-term and sustainable success at the highest level of European football: a world-class, globally recognised city, a passionate and loyal fan base, a world-class training facility, a world-class youth programme and a fully committed ownership group.
"With patience, commitment and a little luck, there is no reason why Venezia cannot compete for a Champions League spot in the not-too-distant future."
Duncan Niederauer, the chairman of Venezia, stated: "We have made significant investments to renovate our current stadium, are well on our way to operating the new stadium that will open in 2027, and have committed to the City to make a significant investment in the facility. Combined with our previous $10 million investment in Ca' Venezia, our state-of-the-art training facility, we are poised to have some of the most modern infrastructure in Italy."