Mandaric - I almost quit

Leicester chairman shocked following arrest

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 2nd December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mandaric - I almost quit

Mandaric: Embarrassed

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Milan Mandaric has admitted he was so shocked to be caught up in the investigation into corruption in football that he considered walking away from the game.

The Leicester chairman was one of five men to be arrested and questioned by police earlier this week.

Mandaric fully co-operated with the anti-corruption unit but he concedes that it was one of the worst moments of his career in football.

"It is extremely hard to find the words to describe how I felt and still feel," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"It was humiliating, embarrassing and made me feel completely sick to my stomach.

Difficult

"Naturally I have had my ups and downs in the game following three decades of involvement in football, but being arrested and facing unfair slurs and accusations is difficult to deal with.

"I would be a liar if there wasn't a fleeting moment when I thought 'to hell with this, I'm done with football'.

"But the people who know me know I have strong characteristics and I would rather confront a problem than walk away from it."

Mandaric is angry that his reputation has been damaged but is determined to clear his name.

He explained: "I have always condemned corruption in the game and campaigned to ensure it was cleaned up, so the last thing I expected was to become embroiled in an investigation.

"It goes without saying that I fully support the authorities, but I know I've done absolutely nothing wrong and I know I will be vindicated when this investigation is finally completed."