Chelsea welcomed Abramovich in 2003, when he bought the club from Ken Bates for 140 million pounds ($187 million). The Russian billionaire has since overseen the most successful spell in Blues history, claiming multiple Premier League and Champions League titles, but his 19-year tenure now appears to be coming to an end.
Chelsea officially put up for sale
Roman Abramovich officially put Chelsea up for sale on Wednesday, in response to speculation that has surrounded him since Russia began their invasion of Ukraine. Being one of the richest and most influential men in Russia, it has been suggested that Abramovich could face sanctions, with the UK, US and other major countries around the world seeking to cut resources from President Vladimir Putin.
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The 55-year-old wrote in a statement on the Blues website: “In the current situation, I have made the decision to sell the Club, as I believe it is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the sponsors and partners of the Club. In addition, I have asked my team to create a charitable foundation to which all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. This foundation will be for the benefit of all the victims of the war in Ukraine”.
Kanté tells the reaction of the locker room
“Please know that this decision was incredibly difficult to make and it is painful for me to part with the club in this way. However, I believe it is in the best interest of the club“, added the Russian owner. Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante revealed that Abramovich’s decision came as a huge shock to the whole dressing room. The Frenchman urged his teammates to stay focused on football in these difficult times and expressed his hope that the conflict in Ukraine finds a speedy and peaceful conclusion.
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“It’s something we are not prepared for, it happened quickly”, Kante told Sky Sports when asked about Abramovich’s impending departure. “The only thing we can do, because we don’t control these things, is to do our best playing football as we have always done, for the club, for the fans. It’s hard to see things like that. We hope it ends as soon as possible and in the best way.”