Marina Granovskaia has admitted that she was 'sad' to leave Chelsea at the time she did as the Todd Boehly era got underway.
Granovskaia's departure was confirmed at the end of June. Chelsea and Boehly have yet to confirm a replacement but it Is understood that former Liverpool director Michael Edwards is the red hot favourite to become her successor if the new owners can convince him to do a U-turn on his break preference. Boehly has since acted as interim sporting director and it's safe to say that he has got his teeth stuck right in with Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella expected to be part of a summer overhaul which is forecasted to reach the £300m levels.
It's important to note that Granovskaia wasn't the only one to step down this summer. Bruce Buck and Petr Cech did the same. The difference being that only the Russian and Buck have decided to stay on temporarily as advisors if Boehly needs to use them between now and September 1. Granovskaia isn't known for much public speaking but an email released by @CFCCentral demonstrated the hard decision she had to make at the time when her future was decided.
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The email read: 'Apologies for the delay in getting back to you, it has been a very intense week. Thank you for reaching out and for the very kind message, it really means a lot. I am obviously very sad to be leaving the Club that has been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years but I am taking with me the great moments we all shared together and wonderful people I met along the way. Once again, thank you for writing, I am genuinely grateful. Kind regards, Marina.'
A heartwarming message which Didier Drogba has reciprocated back her way with his personal verdict on what she and Abramovich had done in his career to helping him engrain himself as a club legend.
He took to his Instagram @didierdrogba to write: "As the new Premier League season starts, before the first Chelsea home game, I wanted to highlight and thank two people who were so important during my time at the Club.
"First of all, I want to thank Marina for always supporting me in the good moments and even the difficult moments at the club, when most people were criticising me for saying loud (maybe a bit too loud actually) and clear what I felt unfair ( champions league CFC v Barcelona 2009 ).
"Only Marina and a handful of people understood it as someone who cared for the club, the badge and the fans.
"Her contribution to this club is beyond what people on the outside know. Over 19 years she worked so hard to build a world-class club and to keep the blue flag flying high in the world of football.
"And to Roman, boss, no need to tell stories of moments we shared together. My loyalty and repsect for you is for life! On both a professional and a personal level I can never thank you enough for your belief and support and the vision you created to help us all achieve our dreams.
"You came unknown in to the football world, you leave having won everything possible. Together we made history that no one can take away, it is here forever."
Chelsea fans - How do you sum up Marina Granovskaia Blues career and who do you want to see replace her? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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