Former Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has revealed that he purchased ex-Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward‘s house in a bargain deal. The Italy international took advanatage of unsavoury scenes to reduce the asking price of the property, previously valued at approximately £2million.
Borini completed the purchase four years ago after Woodward was targeted by a group of supporters who were unhappy with his management of the Red Devils. A smoke bomb and fireworks were detonated at the property in chaotic scenes. The crowd also pressed an intercom at the large gates guarding the entrance to the residence before spraying it with red paint in disturbing footage. Woodward, his wife, and their young twins were not present when lit flares were hurled into the grounds.
When the former United chief executive was prepared to sell, Borini was more than willing to take advantage of the worries of other potential purchasers.
The forward, who was plying his trade with Turkish outfit Fatih Karagumruk in 2021, can now enjoy the residence with his wife Erin and his two young children, Stella and Lando.
Borini said: “We bought the house four years ago, actually from the former CEO of Man United, Woodward. Because of the protests outside, everybody was worried, so I said, ‘Don’t worry I’ll buy it, get the price down!'”
The Cheshire property has proved invaluable with Borini now turning out for Salford City in League Two.
The 34-year-old previously spent two seasons with Sampdoria but managed only 11 appearances last campaign after netting nine goals in 23 matches during his debut season.
Borini was delighted to buy into Salford’s vision and contribute his own expertise to the squad. Summer discussions led to him putting pen to paper earlier this month.
He told The Times: “I spoke with Alex over the summer about the possibility and said I’m open to the opportunity of coming to Salford even if it was League Two.
“They said, ‘Yes, you come and train, give a little bit to the group, be around the guys and help us, in a way, to understand if we’re doing the right things or the wrong things and you get fit’.
“It doesn’t really matter the league or context, it’s about football. Salford is being built to be a proper football club.”