A former Manchester United footballer has triggered outrage after a company he is linked to bought an Italian castle and announced plans to turn it into a hotel.

       According to reports, a company owned by the former Red Devils player Javier Hernandez, purchased Castel Madruzzo and intends to turn it into a five-star hotel.

       The famous fortress, located just 12.5m (20km) from Trento, was built in the 12th Century and used as a base by the Madruzzo family who acted as prince-bishops for the region.

       However, Hernandez’s company allegedly intends to try to turn a profit from the structure that has 30 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. It has angered locals who are unsure about the value of the hotel to their community and the proposed changes to the interior.

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       Speaking about the importance of Castel Madruzzo, local councillor Roberto Stanchina said it was more than just a castle.

       Among the proposed changes are the addition of a lift and a hotel lobby as part of the redevelopment plan.

       The redevelopment plan would be undertaken by Trentini Latini, a company registered in 2023 by Niccolo de Zambiasi, 30, but which is 95 percent controlled by Delaware registered Vultur International, controlled by 36-year-old Hernandez.

       Speaking to The Times in response to the anger over the proposed changes to the property, de Zambiasi said: “He [Hernandez] loves Italy and the mountains and had been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time.”

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       The situation is complicated further by the fact the opposition to the redevelopment of the castle is not universal. Mayor of Madruzzo Michele Bortoli claimed that any investment that “added value to our economy is welcome”.

       Meanwhile, head of the local heritage body Franco Marzatico added that a revised proposal by Trentini Latini would be accepted if it provided reinforced guarantees that satisfy the community as well as just turn a profit.

       The move into property development and hotel ownership by Hernandez follows a glittering career in football in which he has played for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, West Ham United and LA Galaxy. He scored 59 goals for Manchester United as part of a team that won two Premier League titles.

       Hernandez currently plays for Mexican side Guadalajara, the same club where he started his professional career at the age of just 18.