Hollywood star Hugh Jackman confirms that he is in talks to buy Norwich City.
The superstar from the Wolverine movies is a childhood fan of the Canaries – and his British-born mother is from Norwich.
Jackman, known from blockbusters such as X-Men, The Greatest Showman and Les Misérables, is one of the world’s most recognisable actors. He has a net worth of around £100 million and is close friends with Ryan Reynolds – who, along with Rob McElhenney, owns Championship rivals Wrexham.
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Now Jackman himself can become part of the ownership of English football.
“I’m very, very interested – and we’re talking about it right now,” Jackman told talkSPORT.
“You’re the first to know. A little exclusivity, with a smile.
“Good job, Ryan – do your part. I’m absolutely obsessed with the Canaries.
Said no in 2010 – still regrets
Jackman did not specify how large a stake he is interested in buying. The Australian was actually invited to become a minority investor as early as 2010 – but declined.
In an interview in 2011, he admitted that he regretted it:
“Sometimes I make big mistakes. I got a letter about a year ago that said: As such a big Norwich supporter, do you want to be a celebrity investor? I said: That’s a bit too much – I’ve been to Carrow Road once. So I turned it down.
“And since then, they’ve only been racing upwards. So what do I know?
Why it was Norwich – not London
Although Jackman was born and raised in Australia, his parents are English. He tells the story of how he chose Norwich – when he was seven years old:
“We used to watch the FA Cup on TV. That was the only thing we were allowed to stay up for – in the middle of the night, Norwegian time. We had to go to bed first, and then we were woken up to watch.
“I saw all these teams – Arsenal and all the others – and thought: I have to pick a team.
“I asked my dad: Where are you from? He said: London. I said: Then I’m rooting for London?
“He said: No, there are a lot of teams in London. I asked my mum: Where are you from? She said: Norwich.
“I asked: Is there a football team in Norwich? She said: Yep. I said: Then it’s my team.
“So there’s been little choice since then. We won the Milk Cup in 1984 – it’s not even called the Milk Cup anymore – but we’re on the rise.
Predicting promotion – and Wrexham will follow
Jackman believes in progress for the Canaries:
“I’ve been to Carrow Road a couple of times and I love the Canaries. This is the year we get promoted. That’s my prediction. Norwich and Wrexham will be promoted this year.
Norwich are currently in 20th place in the Championship after three defeats in four games – but Jackman has faith.
The Hollywood Revolution in English Football
Jackman is far from the only Hollywood star to throw himself into English football. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed Wrexham, while NFL legend Tom Brady owns parts of Birmingham, and JJ Watt is an investor in Burnley.
Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg has recently acquired a stake in Swansea together with Luka Modrić. In the Premier League, Ed Sheeran owns 1.4 percent of Ipswich, and Will Ferrell is an investor in Leeds.
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Now Hugh Jackman could be the next celebrity name on the ownership list in The Championship.
