Russell Crowe admits he looked ‘quite seriously’ at buying Leeds United

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Hollywood star is convinced Leeds can ascend to their former heights.

Actor Russell Crowe has admitted he did look seriously at buying Leeds United.

Speaking to Leeds City Magazine, he was asked whether there was any truth behind his reported desire to invest in the club.

Crowe said: “I looked into it quite seriously with a group of people.

“I firmly believe it’s the great sleeping dinosaur of English football.

“When I started to evaluate the cost of time to my family, I realised that the challenge was beyond me.”

BBC Sport reported in February 2015 how Crowe began discussing his desire to buy the club, by discussing the possibility on social media.

Crowe is a Leeds fan and had a track record of sports ownership, as the co-owner of Australian rugby side South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Massimo Cellino at the time was not looking to buy Leeds and Crowe evidently felt the challenge and investment required was too much.

The club finally changed hands this year, with Andrea Radrizzani buying a 50 per cent stake in January before completing a 100 per cent purchase this summer.

He has led an overhaul of the club’s backroom staff and bought several players into the club, crucially buying stadium Elland Road after the club leased the club for the past 13 years.