Billionaire Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich has issued a statement reflecting on his 19-year ownership of Chelsea FC, noting that being a member of the club has been an “honor of a lifetime.” ayokinews.com reports
Chelsea FC will be sold for £4.25 billion to a Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital group after Abramovich was compelled to sell the club on March 2 due to sanctions imposed on him, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and alleged links to President Vladimir Putin.
After 19 years and 21 trophies with the Men’s team, he handing over the keys signals the end of his long successful reign.
In a statement released on the club’s official website, Roman Abramovich wrote:
“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.
Read: Abramovich Disqualified As Chelsea Director By Premier League
“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.”
Statement from Roman Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 28, 2022
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