Irish border '˜hurts' Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino

In an exclusive interview with Buzz.ie the Italian entrepreneur spoke about his love of all things Irish but made a point of stating his inability to understand why there was a need for a border.

“Why has a beautiful country like that got a north and a south? It hurts me,” he said. “I don’t want to be political, because I have never been political. I am too fair to be a politician. But they are both beautiful people – north and south.”

Cellino, who went through 36 different managers during his 22 years as Chairman of Cagliari Calcio in Italy, also said he was delighted that Leeds United had so many Irish fans.

“I have always loved Irish people, since I was a kid watching Hollywood movies,” said Cellino.

“And the American series about the motorcycle gang, the serial on HBO. Sons of Anarchy. Ah Jesus, I saw all of that.

“I love Irish people; for St Patrick’s Day, for the colour green, for the fairytales. Ireland for me is a magic country. I am proud that there are so many Irish Leeds fans.”