The businesswoman who helped put together the Newcastle United takeover admits that the Public Investment Fund had looked at other potential deals before completing the buy-out.
Carla Dibello, who works closely with the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund and is a successful entrepreneur, says she is now 'excited' for the future of Newcastle.
Speaking on the Mo Show Podcast , Dibello spoke briefly about the deal which was completed back in October.
"I'm happy you're a Newcastle fan now, good choice," she told host Mo Islam.
"I will say yes, I am very excited about that deal and I was involved.
"I will say, the majority of my business has been bringing companies together, bringing groups together.
"I know Saudi had been looking at a lot of different investments and what an exciting opportunity to be able to have a Premier League team.
"I'm just really excited about the future.
"It's a very strong club with rich history and I'm looking forward to the future."
While Newcastle's fortunes off the pitch have changed for the better - given the group now owning the club have more wealth than the rest of the top flight put together - the results on the pitch are still to come.
Eddie Howe has come in and replaced Steve Bruce but has only overseen one win in seven games yet United still remain only three points from safety.
The first game of the new ownership was against Tottenham, a game Dibello attended and she admits that she was taken aback by the atmosphere.
"The stadium was electric that day," she recollected.
"The fans of Newcastle have been waiting so long for change.
"I had the opportunity to be there, and to see people in a thobe and the Saudi flag just put a big smile on my face.
"We're United - Newcastle and The Kingdom."
