ROME (AP) — George Clooney’s villa is a 20-minute drive up the lake shore road from Como’s stadium. Kate Beckinsale was a spectator in the stands last weekend. Celebrity spottings and weddings have long been a pastime on Italy’s famous lake, which is known for its majestic views of the Alps.
Now there’s another reason to visit: The local soccer team is making rapid progress in its first season back in the top division in more than two decades. Since Indonesian tobacco billionaire brothers Roberto Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono purchased the club five years ago in Serie D, the club has also been attracting soccer celebrities. Como coach Cesc Fabregas and former France striker Thierry Henry — both World Cup winners and former teammates at Arsenal — are minority owners.
“We chose to invest in Como because investing exclusively in soccer comes with unpredictable risks,” said Mirwan Suwarso, who manages Como for the Hartonos. “Here we’re relying on a brand: We want to make this the top soccer tourism destination in the world.” The heavy foreign investment has attracted a mix of well-known veteran players and rising prospects.
Veterans such as former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina and former Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto. Plus former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane , who then decided to retire but plans to remain with the club in another role. Alberto Moreno, a 32-year-old left back, has played every minute of the op.