Gone is the Chinese era with Chen Yansheng and the Rastar group, which has had its lights and shadows, and which will continue to collaborate in the transition process, as the Barcelona club itself has highlighted, and as it has done in the extensive audit carried out to make the arrival of the new shareholder viable.
Someone who is no stranger to the world of football, as his business group already owns Burnley, who play in the English Premier League.
"It's not a question of ownership, it's a question of management. Burnley will remain Burnley. Espanyol will remain Espanyol. Each club will retain its own identity, leadership, independence and decision-making. Each club will be run by its own team for its own fans," said Pace.
It is this connection with the local public, with their environment, that the new shareholder hopes to continue to foster and strengthen.
"Our role is not to replace the legacy, but to build on it, with care, clarity and purpose. Because one of the reasons for investing in Espanyol has been "its history, its loyal fan base and its deep connection to the local community, factors that align with VSP's philosophy of responsible management".
What VSP will invest in Espanyol
According to the idea expressed in the official announcement of the acquisition of the majority shareholding,"the objective will be to strengthen the sporting and institutional foundations of the club in order to achieve long-term success". To this end, it will invest "in academies and infrastructure of international standard", so that it can"achieve long-term football success on and off the pitch, and foster an open and transparent relationship with the fans".
Pace assures that he arrives with honesty and transparency to a historic club like the Periquito.
"We are here to work. Honestly, carefully and openly, to respect the past, support the present and forge a future worthy of the pride and tradition of both clubs. This is how football evolves: with its people, for its people and always with a fair and beautiful game."