Roman Abramovich has bid farewell to Chelsea after Todd Boehly was given the final green light to complete his takeover of the Premier League club.
Approval has been granted for the American investor, who co-owns MLB giants the Los Angeles Dodgers, to buy the Stamford Bridge outfit three months after Abramovich made the surprise decision to sell up.
The Russian oligarch, 55, has promised to write-off the debt owed to him by the club and pour the proceedings into a new charitable foundation. Those funds were previously said to be heading specifically to victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but no such comment featured in Sunday’s statement.
“It has been nearly three months since I announced my intention to sell Chelsea FC,” wrote Abramovich.
“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 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.”
