Roman Abramovich has finally broken his silence, three years after being forced to sell Chelsea Football Club amid mounting pressure and international scrutiny. Speaking publicly for the first time since his departure, the former Chelsea owner opened up about the emotional toll of losing the club and his hopes of one day returning to Stamford Bridge to say a proper farewell.
Abramovich was compelled to sell Chelsea in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision came after he faced accusations of being closely tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which led to the UK government imposing sanctions on him. Although Abramovich denied any wrongdoing or political allegiance, the environment made it impossible for him to retain ownership of the club he had overseen for nearly two decades.
The sale of Chelsea was finalized in May 2022 to the Todd Boehly-led Clearlake Capital consortium for £2.5 billion. The proceeds from the sale were frozen in a UK bank account and designated to support humanitarian causes, particularly for victims of the war in Ukraine. Despite the high-profile and controversial nature of the transaction, Abramovich remained largely silent throughout, avoiding public commentary until now.
In a rare interview featured in a new book chronicling the sale of Chelsea, Abramovich reflected on the experience and his enduring connection to the club. He emphasized that while his chapter with Chelsea has closed in terms of ownership or professional involvement, the emotional ties remain strong. “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, adding that he has no intention of owning another football club or taking on any formal role in the sport again.
Abramovich also expressed an interest in grassroots initiatives, particularly youth development. He noted that while he has stepped back from the professional football scene, he remains open to contributing to the game in a different capacity. “There might be something where I could help with academies and youngsters, giving greater opportunities to people from difficult backgrounds, if there were an initiative that could make a difference,” he shared.
His reflections come amid renewed attention to his role in behind-the-scenes efforts during the early days of the Ukraine war. The book details Abramovich’s participation in peace talks, even after he was reportedly poisoned in a Kyiv apartment an incident that highlighted the complex political tensions surrounding his involvement.
Responding to ongoing speculation and allegations regarding his affiliations, Abramovich was philosophical. Citing an old Russian saying, he remarked, “The dogs bark but the caravan keeps moving. Whatever I do, people will always accuse me of some kind of agenda. In the end, I have done what I have done simply to try to help.”
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 for £140 million and transformed the club into one of Europe’s football powerhouses. Under his ownership, Chelsea won five Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, and numerous domestic cups, forever altering the club’s trajectory.
As he steps away from the limelight, Abramovich’s legacy at Chelsea remains complicated but undeniably impactful. His hope to one day return and bid farewell to the fans and the club he once revolutionized adds a poignant layer to the story of one of football’s most influential owners.
