Ex-Chelsea star Demba Ba setting up new American club in San Diego with Eden Hazard set to become part-owner
Former Blues striker assembling players to become owners of new side in USA
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EX-CHELSEA star Demba Ba has revealed he is setting up a club in San Diego.
The striker, 31, has assembled a group of players as fellow owners - and also found a series of wealthy investors.
SunSport understands Eden Hazard, Ba's pal and ex-Blues teammate, is among the would-be owners.
The California-based club will play in the North American Soccer League when the USA's second tier expands in the next few years.
Ba, who has also played for West Ham and Newcastle, is currently with Turkish club Besiktas on loan from Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua.
Speaking to GalsenFoot, he said: "The club is based in San Diego, but I will only reveal its exact name once it gets the green light.
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"We are nearing the end of our project, and waiting for it to be ratified. That should happen very soon.
"We have provided everything that the American second division wants. Once we receive the OK we will begin setting up our club and our team.
"The project needs a lot of money, but with my name and those of the people with me we don't need to produce our own money to set it up.
"Our investors share our philosophy and values. My Senegal teammate Moussa Sow, myself and the others are fully involved in the project.
"The investors, who will put in their money to make the club work, have the same human values as ourselves.
"The people working with me are beyond reproach. The investors are very happy to put their hands in their pockets as they know they are dealing with men of worth."
Paris-born Ba told a US radio show in January: "We have some players, a group of investors.
"One of the most famous guys is Eden Hazard, a very close friend of mine.
"He is excited as well, and often calls to ask when he is coming to San Diego."