Chelsea start into a new era. The British government has approved the sale of the two-time Champions League winner to a group of investors led by US entrepreneur Todd Boehly. The price for the football giant is said to be five billion euros. The media already reported today that coach Thomas Tuchel has 235 million euros available for transfers, after the sanctions against Roman Abramovich were recently announced. But now the blues are free of the oligarch, who is now saying goodbye with an official statement.
“It has now been almost three months since I announced my intention to sell Chelsea. In that time the team have worked hard to find the right Chelsea manager who is best placed to lead the club successfully into its next chapter,” explained the Russian oligarch.
The Chelsea owner had landed on a British government sanctions list as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine due to its proximity to the Kremlin and warring President Vladimir Putin, and was banned from entering and trading. As a result, Chelsea FC was on the verge of insolvency and a quick sale was essential. Recently, no players could be transferred or contracts extended and not even jerseys sold.
Abramovich was the owner of the club for 20 years and put a lot of money into his project, winning the Champions League twice. Leading the club brought with it “great responsibility” and he experienced “what this club can achieve”.
Accordingly, it is also in his interest that the club remains successful.
“My aim was to ensure that the next owner has a mentality that allows for the success of both the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the will and drive to continue other key aspects of the club, such as the academy and the important work of the Chelsea Foundation to develop,” he explained.
Now he is happy about the “successful conclusion” and wishes the new administrators “good luck on and off the pitch”.
In addition, the ex-owner finally wanted to “thank all former and current players, employees and of course the fans of the club for these incredible years”. It was “an honor” for him.
Abramovich was also proud that “due to our joint successes, millions of people will benefit from the new charitable foundation that is being established”. This is “the legacy” that we have created together.
The ex-owner said goodbye with “Thank you. Roman.” One is inclined to say: “We also give thanks that the chapter has come to an end”.
