John Terry has labelled Roman Abramovich "the best owner in the world" in a reaction to the Chelsea chief announcing that he is putting the club up for sale after nearly two decades in charge.
The Russian billionaire, who bought the Blues for £140million back in 2003, saw the men's first-team collect 19 trophies - including every title available - at Stamford Bridge, the majority of which former captain Terry was able to get his hands on.
And in a message on Instagram, the 41-year-old thanked Abramovich for his work in west London.
"Thank you Roman @chelseafc," Terry wrote. "The best owner in the WORLD."
The ex- England defender left Chelsea in 2017 but returned last December to assist with coaching in the club's academy, a particularly successful department in Abramovich's latter years.
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Following a decision to hand over "stewardship" of the club in the wake of Russia 's invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday his intention to put the Blues up for sale.
"Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the club in this manner," he said in a statement.
"However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the club. I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person.
"It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.
"Thank you, Roman."
Abramovich has hired brokers from America to find a buyer and insists that any net proceeds from a purchase will go to charities for war victims in Ukraine.
He is also not looking to be repaid the outstanding £1.5bn which the club are indebted to him and wants to move quickly as he fears sanctions soon will be imposed from the UK Government.
Abramovich's initial decision was to give control of Chelsea to six trustees of the club's Charitable Foundation, but concerns from at least two members prompted him to decide on selling the Blues to a new owner.
It has emerged that Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and US sporting tycoon Todd Boehly have teamed up for a takeover bid, with the latter attempting to do so in 2019 with two unsuccessful offers.
Meanwhile, Wyss publicly confirmed his interest by telling Swiss outlet Blick : "I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I'm definitely not doing something like this alone.
"If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors."
