Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
‘It has been an honour of a lifetime’
FORMER BLUES OWNER MAKES STATEMENT TO BLUES’ FANS AFTER HANDING OVER THE REINS TO TODD BOEHLY
OUTGOING owner Roman Abramovich says it has been an “honour of a lifetime” to be part of Chelsea as he hands over the reins to Todd Boehly.
The Premier League club confirmed an agreement to sell to US magnate Boehly for what will be a sports franchise record deal of £4.25 billion.
It brings to an end a 19-year reign at Stamford Bridge for the RussianIsraeli billionaire, during which he led the Blues to 21 trophies and changed the face of English football forever.
Abramovich put the club up for sale on March 2, amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine.
The 55-year-old was then sanctioned by the UK Government on March 10, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Vladimir Putin.
He has reflected fondly on his stay in west London and is confident Boehly and the Clearlake Capital consortium can take the club in the right direction.
“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,” Abramovich said in a statement on Chelsea’s 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 20 years ago, I have witnessed firsthand 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 teams, 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.
“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.”