Barely any Chelsea supporters have ever heard Marina Granovskaia speak. Her actions have been at the forefront of how her reputation has been built, how the perception of the club's "iron lady" was forged behind closed doors in secret negotiations and transfer dealings.
But for those in attendance at the annual Golden Boy awards before Christmas, where Granvoskaia was recognised as the Best Club Director in European football in 2021 at a ceremony in Italy, the Russian-Canadian uttered words that would recently come to the attention of fans online.
"I was surprised an individual award for my job in football even exists." she joked, quickly turning her praise to the club and team. "Maybe if there is one secret about Chelsea or if there is a secret for our success, then it is probably the people that create that environment that allows us all to be successful".
