Former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich has spoken publicly for the first time since he was forced to sell the club after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The Russian oligarch was the face of Chelsea’s enormous success for nearly two decades, watching the Blues win every available piece of silverware in club football.
Speaking in a rare interview, Abramovich expressed his desire to one day return to Stamford Bridge and say a heartfelt farewell. He was denied the opportunity to do so three years ago.
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 for £140 million and transformed the club into a global powerhouse. He oversaw five Premier League successes, five FA Cup wins and three League Cup wins. He also helped Chelsea end their long wait for a European crown in 2012, before adding a second Champions League title in 2021.
However, Abramovich was forced to step away under immense pressure amid Russia/Ukraine war.
He was accused of having close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which led to sanctions from the UK government in March 2022. Abramovich ultimately had no choice but to sell.
He eventually handed the club over to the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium following a prolonged two-month takeover saga that saw several candidates interviewed.
Abramovich recouped an earth-shattering profit on his Chelsea sale, making nearly 18 times his initial investment in the club.
He sold the club for £2.5 billion but insisted the proceeds be donated to charities supporting victims of the war in Ukraine. The money has since been frozen in a UK bank account.
During the interview, Abramovich made it clear that he has no intention of owning another football club.
“Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that,” Abramovich said (via the Daily Mail).
“I don’t have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role.”