Djokovic joins F1 legend in takeover of ‘French Wrexham' after promotion to Ligue 2 having been in 5TH TIER 9 years ago
WREX APPEAL Djokovic joins F1 legend in takeover of 'French Wrexham' after promotion to Ligue 2 having been in 5TH TIER 9 years ago
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NOVAK DJOKOVIC and two former Formula One stars have acquired stakes in Le Mans.
The club have been dubbed the "French Wrexham" amid their celebrity interest and remarkable rise up the leagues.
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Novak Djokovic is part of a group who have bought a stake in Le Mans FC
Credit: Getty
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Felipe Massa said it is 'undeniably a great opportunity'
Credit: Getty
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Kevin Magnussen is involved in the group
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Le Mans officially announced today that investment company OutField have purchased an undisclosed percentage of the club.
Tennis icon Djokovic and former F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen are involved in the project.
In a statement published by Le Mans, they say the 24-time Grand Slam champion's "mental strength and unique approach will bring considerable added value."
On Massa and Magnussen, the club claim the duo will "create a bridge between football and motorsport – a distinctive strength of the Le Mans brand."
Ex-Ferrari driver Massa raced in F1 for 15 years and is a massive fan of Brazilian club Sao Paulo supporter.
Magnussen was with Haas and his father Jan is a four-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.
Opening up on his new venture, Massa said: "I think everyone knows my passion for football, which is leading me to take this step today.
"Le Mans FC has a strong connection with motorsport, and when my good friend and partner Georgios Frangulis presented the project to me, I wanted to be a part of it.
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"Especially alongside people I deeply respect, like Djokovic, who needs no introduction, and Magnussen, with whom I shared many years in Formula One.
"It's undeniably a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football, the reigning Champions League champion, which is currently attracting significant investment."
Nine years ago, Le Mans were down at a amateur level in the fifth tier of French football after the club ran into financial trouble.
But they have since climbed up the divisions and will compete in Ligue 2 this coming season.
They were the last in the top-flight back in 2010.
Le Mans play their home matches at the Stade Marie-Marvingt, which is next to the iconic racing track.
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