Fulham's Relegation Due to Loss of its Lucky "Charm"
Mohamed Al Fayed has wacko theory about Jacko statue
Former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed says the club's relegation from the Premier League is all down to the loss of his infamous Michael Jackson statue.
Al-Fayed was a personal friend of Jackson and commissioned the statue in 2009, shortly after the singer's death. After being displayed in pride of place outside of the Al-Fayed owned Harrods, the memorial was moved to Craven Cottage in 2011 after he sold the store.
However, after Al-Fayed also sold Fulham in 2013, new owner Shahid Khan decided it was best to remove the 7ft 6in memorial and return it to his predecessor.
Now, Mr Al Fayed says: " This statue was a charm and we removed the luck from the club and now we have to pay the price. When (Khan) asked me to move it I said 'You must be crazy'.
" This is such a fantastic statue which the fans are crying out for.
" But now he has paid the price because the club has been relegated. He called me because he told me he wanted Michael to return.
" I told him, no way."
He was speaking as he formally presented the statue to the National Football Museum in Manchester.
After a few months in storage and suggestions of a possible sale to former Fulham manager Martin Jol, the statue will sit in a prominent location near the entrance to the National Football Museum, which houses a vast collection of some of English football's most significant artefacts.
A National Football Museum spokeswoman says: " The story behind the statue and its relationship with Fulham would certainly make for a thought-provoking addition. We are very grateful to Mr Al Fayed for offering to donate this important item."
May 9, 2014
