Abramovich pen down an emotional Goodbye message: Roman Abramovich has issued a statement reflecting on his 19-year ownership of Chelsea, noting that being a member of the club has been a “honour of a lifetime.”
Chelsea will be sold for £4.25 billion to the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium after Abramovich was obliged to sell the club on March 2 due to sanctions imposed on him as a result of alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After 19 years and 21 trophies with the Men’s team, his illustrious reign comes to an end as he hands over the keys.
The transaction is scheduled to close next week, ahead of the Blues’ expiration operating license, and Abramovich has written a farewell note in which he wishes the new owners all the best as they take over the team.
According to a message published on the club’s official website, “It has been nearly three months since I announced my intention to sell Chelsea FC. During this time, the team have worked hard to find the right custodian for Chelsea FC that would be best positioned to successfully lead the Club into its next chapter.
“The ownership of this Club comes with great responsibility. Since I came to Chelsea nearly twenty years ago, I have witnessed first-hand what this Club can achieve. My goal has been to ensure that the next owner has a mindset that will enable success for the Men’s and Women’s team, as well as the will and drive to continue developing other key aspects of the Club, such as the Academy and the vital work of Chelsea Foundation.
“I am pleased this search has now come to a successful conclusion. As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.
“It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this Club – I would like to thank all the Club’s past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years.
“I am proud that as a result of our joint successes, millions of people will now benefit from the new charitable foundation which is being established. This is the legacy which we have created together.
“Thank you. Roman.”
