Roman Abramovich has overseen a continued period of success since he brought Chelsea in 2003.
The Russian billionaire purchased the west Londoners from Ken Bates in 2003 in a deal believed to be worth £140million.
Two Champions League titles, five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, the Club World Cup, three League Cups, and two Europa League titles have been won under Abramovich’s stewardship.
His arrival also saw the arrivals of Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, Andriy Shevchenko and many more top player don the famous blue.
But amid Abramovich’s announcement that he is looking to sell the club after 19-years of ownership, Mirror Football looks back on his first Chelsea promise in 2003.
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Skepticism initially greeted Abramovich’s purchase of the club in 2003.
He paid £140m to previous owner Bates who had previously bought the club in 1982 for just £1.
But in and amongst the various questions about the Russian, his businesses, and motivations at Chelsea, Abramovich was extremely clear about his intentions at the club.
"We are delighted to agree this deal to acquire what is already one of the top clubs in Europe," a statement from Abramovich said in 2003.
"We have the resources and ambition to achieve even more given the huge potential of this great club."
Abramovich did not waste any time in flexing his financial muscles as he dropped £153m on his first transfer window at the Blues.
Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff, Juan Sebastian Veron, Claude Makelele, Adrian Mutu, Scott Parker, Wayne Bridge, Geremi, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson, and Aledsey Smertin were signed in his first transfer window.
Despite finishing second behind the Arsenal Invincibles, Claudio Ranieri was fired at the end of Abramovich’s first season, paving a way for Jose Mourinho to step in to the club.
Two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and two League Cups swiftly followed the Portuguese’s arrival into west London, entrenching the club as a serious football power in the country.
Around 15 years later, Abramovich is now looking to sell the club he transformed over the course of his 18 years of stewardship.
The west Londoners and current boss Thomas Tuchel have been extremely scrutinised about Abramovich’s links to Vladimir Putin, amid Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich initially agreed to hand over the ‘stewardship and care’ of the Blues to the Chelsea trustees and charitable foundations.
But after another strong backlash, confusion, threats of resignation on the foundation’s parts and even more probing questions, Abramovich released a statement citing an intent to sell the club.
“I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC,” Abramovich said in a very rare statement at the club.
“As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.
“In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.”
