Massimo Cellino claims he wants to sell Leeds United: "I've had enough"

Massimo Cellino has publically declared that he is willing to sell Leeds United, following yet another less than impressive season in the Championship.

The timing of this revelation is somewhat surprising as it has come only days after the Football League announced it will remove Cellino’s 223-day ban.

While speaking with The Times, however, the controversial owner said he has “had enough” of running the club as it gives him “no happiness.”

Earlier this week, it appeared that Cellino’s tenure as Leeds United owner was finally improving after he wasacquitted of tax evasion by an Italian court.

As a result of his initial conviction last October, the Football League banned Cellino from having any role in the ownership or executive running of Leeds until the offence expired. As he was found not guilty on Monday, the Football League is expected to cancel the ban as soon as written confirmation of the verdict is received.

But following the verdict, Cellino told The Times: “I’ve had enough. It’s better to walk out, not because I’m dishonest but because I’m tired and hurt and lonely.

“Why did they disqualify me when they knew the truth? I don’t want to complain because I’m a foreigner but I’m lost. I have no happiness any more and don’t know if I have the enthusiasm for the next season.

“I’ve never been so confused. I’m nearly 60 and would never have expected that from Leeds. I’m ashamed to say it. If someone wants to buy the club I will sell it. If somebody doesn’t come in I have no choice but to run it.”

He added: “If I could turn back time and you ask whether I would come to this club, I would say never. But now what should I do? Cry?”

Cellino also admitted that he and his family are “scared” to visit Leeds because of the abuse he receives from fans.

“I’m scared to take a train in case someone comes up to me. My family don’t come to Leeds any more because they are scared,” he said. “We are not Nazis. I have spent all my time fixing this club and I have not spent enough on public relations. I apologise for that.”