Football
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Owner Peter Lim 'would not sell Valencia for €1bn' - Anil Murthy

Incoming Valencia president Anil Murthy has said owner Peter Lim would not let the club go, even for €1 billion.

Valencia have had a turbulent time since Lim took over in October 2014, leading to speculation that the Singaporean businessman could sell up.

However, executive director Murthy, who becomes president on July 1, told a news conference: "There is nothing regarding the sale of the club. Not for €2 million, not for €1bn."

Lim has reportedly not visited Valencia since last April, and some fans have protested against the way in which the club is being run.

Valencia were in relegation danger earlier this season and have had three different coaches, with Voro Gonzalez the current man in charge.

"The fans have the right to feel disappointed when things go bad," Murthy, a former diplomat, said.

"We haven't had the success we had hoped for, but I'm very optimistic for the seasons to come.

"Our duty is to bring the team and the club back to the top places where it belongs."

He added that he was "ready for this challenge" and called it "a great honour" to become president.

"My aim is very simple: to improve the club in many aspects," he said.

"Everything has to be done with the only objective, to win and finish next season and the following campaigns at the top.

"It's a big challenge, but I'm optimistic. We have the tools."

Murthy refused to answer any questions on sporting decisions until his official appointment but said sporting director Jose Ramon Alesanco and general director Mateu Alemany were already working on plans for next season.

"I will be there to help all departments," Murthy added.

Valencia have won their last three league games and are 12th in the Liga table.

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