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AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 football match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at the MSV Arena on August 6, 2020 in Duisburg. (Photo by Friedemann Vogel / POOL / AFP) (Photo by FRIEDEMANN VOGEL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 football match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at the MSV Arena on August 6, 2020 in Duisburg. (Photo by Friedemann
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Photo: FRIEDEMANN VOGEL/POOL/AFP Via Getty Images
AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 football match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at the MSV Arena on August 6, 2020 in Duisburg. (Photo by Friedemann Vogel / POOL / AFP) (Photo by FRIEDEMANN VOGEL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 football match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at the MSV Arena on August 6, 2020 in Duisburg. (Photo by Friedemann
… more
Photo: FRIEDEMANN VOGEL/POOL/AFP Via Getty Images
The Friedkin Group, run by Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, announced the purchase of Italian soccer club AS Roma on Monday.
The deal is worth an estimated $700 million.
The 55-year-old Friedkin, who has a master’s degree from Rice and lives in Houston, is the CEO of Gulf States Toyota Distributors. Forbes estimates his net worth at $4.1 billion.
“We are delighted to join the AS Roma family,” Friedkin said in a press release. “As one fan wrote recently, ‘Take our iconic club and make it one of the greatest names in world football.’ We intend to do just that. Our commitment to Roma is total. We will be very present in Rome, a city that holds a special place in our hearts, as we embark on this exciting journey. We recognize we are entrusted with a team that is a vital part of the soul of Rome, and this is a responsibility that we find humbling and will always take very seriously.
Roma finished fifth in Serie A this season. The club has won Serie A three times in its 93-year history, but its last title was in 2001.