The long-term target was set by the Malaysian businessman, who became the chairman of the club after acquiring a 50% stake in the club, for 12 million euro (RM53.159 million).
“But within this two months, I would like to see Bari move up to Serie A. I will work with (FC Bari 1908 president) Gianluca Paparesta to build a strong team.
“I will be the bridge from Italy to Asia too (in terms of football development),” said the Penang-born businessman who is currently a prominent businessman in Italy, when contacted by Bernama today.
The former Royal Military College (RMC) student became the talk of the town and a target for both the Malaysian and Italian media after securing a 50% stake in the Southern Italian Club.
When asked the reason behind his interest in the Italian club, Noordin said he had a strong belief in Bari’s unique people and football supporters.
“Italy is the country of sun and beauty. Here you can be inspired to do everything, but the most important thing that convinced me has been the warmth of the people,” he added.
FC Bari are currently third in Serie B, Italy’s second division league, with 60 points after 36 matches, behind leaders Crotone and second placed Cagliari with 74 and 71 points respectively.
The founder of the Malaysian-French Institute, which is now known as Universiti Kuala Lumpur, also aims to play a role in lifting the National football team’s status as a top team in Asia.
“I would like to see Malaysian football perform at the international stage. For this reason I am working with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“I would like to build a football academy where prominent youth can train in all football disciplines, not only soccer. The purpose of the academy is to train the best Malaysian youth and expose them to Europe, not only to Bari but other teams as well,” he said.
Noordin who is satisfied with the club and the technical staff, feels it is still early to think about making changes to the club.
“Now, I just need to sit down and do my homework with the best consultants to improve,” he added.
Paparesta is believed to have bought the club for 2 million euro (RM8.850 million) on May 20, 2014 during the club’s third bankruptcy auction before changing the club’s name to FC Bari 1908 S.P.A.
Nicknamed the iGalletti (The Cockerels) or iBiancorossi (The White-Red) after its colours, FC Bari was founded in 1908 and several renowned footballers had plied their trade at the club, such as Italians Nicola Ventola, Gianluca Zambrotta, Antonio Cassano, Diego De Ascentis, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Ranocchia.
FC Bari’s golden era was in 1947 where they finished seventh in Serie A, Italy’s top-tier football league.
– BERNAMA