Arsenal top five rich team in the world

Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos. [PHOTO AFP]

Real Madrid have edged Barcelona to be ranked as world football’s most valuable team for a fourth consecutive year, while Arsenal have climbed into the top five.

Business publication Forbes have released their 13th annual list, with Champions League finalists Madrid now judged to be worth $3.65 billion (Sh368b), an increase on their $3.26bn from last year’s list.

Barcelona are not far behind, with their value $3.56b (Sh358b), while Premier League side Manchester United remain third on $3.32b (Sh334b).

German champions Bayern Munich stay fourth with their worth now up to £2.68b (Sh270b), while Arsenal have jumped from seventh to fifth after their value surged from $1.31b up to $2.02b over the last year.
Newcastle United, who have been relegated from the English premier League make up the top 20 list with a value of $383m (Sh38.6b). Newcastle’s managing director issued an apology to fans after Wednesday’s relegation from the Premier League, saying the club were “devastated” and “truly sorry”.

Bitter north-east neighbours Sunderland’s 3-0 win at home to Everton on Wednesday was enough to put Newcastle in the Championship as they were consigned to the dreaded drop the alongside Norwich City and Aston Villa.

“Tonight we are devastated at our relegation from the Premier League, as I know every single person connected to this football club will be,” said managing director Lee Charnley in a statement on the club’s website. “I want to thank all of the fans for the support you have shown for the club you love throughout the season, in spite of this massive disappointment and underachievement.

Norwich’s captain Russell Martin, whose side have also been relegated said they have to blame themselves for being relegated in their first season back in the Premier League. Norwich’s 4-2 home win over Watford on Wednesday proved in vain as Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Everton sent Norwich back into the Championship, along with Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

“Everyone is responsible and we need to learn from it. If you look elsewhere to try and deflect blame then you’re kidding yourself,” Martin told the club’s website. — Agencies