Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has spoken publicly for the first time since he was forced to sell the club following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Russian billionaire, who was at the heart of Chelsea’s success for nearly 20 years, witnessed the club win every major trophy in football.
In a rare interview, Abramovich shared his hope of one day returning to Stamford Bridge to say a proper farewell—a moment he was denied when he stepped away from the club three years ago.
Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003 for £140 million and turned the club into a global force. Under his ownership, Chelsea won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, and secured two Champions League trophies in 2012 and 2021.
However, amid growing pressure due to the Russia-Ukraine war, Abramovich was forced to walk away. Accused of having ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he was sanctioned by the UK government in March 2022 and compelled to sell the club.
He eventually passed ownership to the Todd Boehly–Clearlake Capital consortium after a lengthy two-month takeover process that involved multiple bidders.
Abramovich made a staggering profit, selling Chelsea for £2.5 billion—nearly 18 times his original investment. He insisted that the proceeds go to charities aiding victims of the war in Ukraine, though the funds remain frozen in a UK bank account.
In the interview, Abramovich made it clear he has no plans to return to football ownership.
“Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that,” he said (via the Daily Mail).
“I don’t have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role.”
