(MENAFN) Rocco Commisso, a 73-year-old billionaire cable TV empire owner, made an unconventional move by buying ACF Fiorentina, an Italian pro soccer team, for USD170 million. Commisso, who grew up in southern Italy, moved to the United States to escape poverty and credits America as the land of opportunity that gave him the chance to achieve success. He started his American dream by making a deal to play accordion when he was 13 years old. He agreed to perform for free at a Bronx theater if the manager helped him get into a Catholic all-boys' school, Mount Saint Michael Academy. Through hard work and hustle, Commisso paid his high school tuition by working at his family's luncheonette before and after school each day.
Commisso wanted to be an engineer, but he needed a scholarship to pay for college tuition. He turned to soccer, a sport he had always loved, and asked his gym teacher to call an NYU coach. The coach put Commisso on a team and watched him play for six days, eventually awarding him a scholarship. Commisso's success in soccer continued as he played for the Columbia University soccer team, where he earned All-Ivy League honors twice.
Commisso's success extended beyond soccer. He founded Mediacom Communications, a cable TV empire that provides services to millions of customers across 22 states. His net worth is estimated at USD8 billion. However, instead of splurging on luxury items like yachts, private jets, and mansions, he opted to buy ACF Fiorentina, a team located in a beautiful city with a rich history.
As the owner of ACF Fiorentina, Commisso is under intense scrutiny by fans who demand that he spend whatever it takes to bring in star players and end the team's 50-year championship drought. The fans, known as the Tifosi, ran the previous owner out of town due to frustration with the team's lack of success. Despite the pressure, Commisso remains committed to the team and has invested in the development of the club's academy to nurture young talents.
Commisso's success story is a testament to the American dream, where hard work and hustle can lead to success. His decision to invest in a soccer team shows his passion for the sport and his desire to help a struggling team reach new heights.
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