MANDARIC REJECTS POMPEY CRITICISM
Former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has rejected suggestions that his plans to take over Leicester are a betrayal of his Pompey roots.
Mandaric is preparing a £25million takeover of the Coca-Cola Championship club and that his led to criticism from Portsmouth fans that it is too soon after he left Fratton Park.
But the Serb-American businessman - in charge of Pompey for seven and a half years before being bought out by Alexandre Gaydamak - believes he should be free to invest his money where he chooses.
Mandaric told the Portsmouth News: "I always promised I would never leave Pompey in trouble, like when they were in danger of relegation from the old First Division.
"Instead I left Pompey in tremendous shape, near the top of the Premiership.
"I've helped put the club on the map. I get happier about that with every additional three points Pompey get.
"I didn't need to sell the club, but thought it was in the best interest of the club to do so.
"If I go to Leicester, supporters should be happy for me that I'm alive and still in football, rather than disappearing off to America or Slovenia and not being heard of again. I'm not ready to retire.
"If I go to Leicester, it's not to a club that is an unfriendly one to us. But whether I go to Leicester or Barcelona, Pompey will always be special in my heart. I might fall in love again, but nothing will replace Pompey.
"It was an unbelievable relationship. We went through some hard times together and had tears on our faces. But it brought us closer together. We've got fantastic memories.
"I might develop another good relationship, but nothing will ever replace the one I developed with Pompey fans. We will always be friends.
"I've had a lots of letters from Pompey fans wishing me all the best and saying what I did for the club was immeasurable. That's fantastic."
