Fulham’s new owner vows to build on Al-Fayed’s legacy

Fulham’s new owner Shahid Khan vowed to build on the foundations left by Mohamed Al Fayed as the Pakistan-born billionaire arrived at Craven Cottage for the first time on Saturday following his takeover.

Khan, who also owns NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars, struck an agreement with Al Fayed on Friday that put the Premier Leage club under new ownership for the first time in 16 years.

The 62-year-old is reported to have paid around £150 million for 100 per cent control and he met the media for the first time on Saturday.

“There’s a great leadership here and I have a lot to learn. But I’ll give the team all the support it needs to be successful on the pitch,” Khan said.

“We have to respect history. I am going to listen to the fans and decide, but we have to make sure it (the club) is sustainable.

“It’s a very special place. This is the perfect club for me at a perfect time. It’s the passing of the baton, taking it to the next level.”

Al Fayed, the 84-year-old former Harrods owner, had transformed Fulham from a third-tier outfit to an established top-flight side since taking over in 1997.

And Khan, instantly recognisable due to his flamboyant moustache, made it clear the controversial Egyptian deserved respect for his efforts.

“I think it is incredible,” he said. “The man rescued Fulham and had a great vision which he’s shared with me. I think it’s very, very important to all the Fulham fans.

“I really enjoyed getting to know him. He’s a wonderful guy, very much to the point.”

Khan, who was born in Lahore but now has American citizenship, is ranked 179th in the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans with an estimated worth of $2.5 billion after making his fortune as a car parts manufacturer.

He already has ties to London, with the Jaguars scheduled to play one regular season game a season at Wembley for the next four years.