Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has described Roman Abramovich as a "class act" as the Blues owner prepares to sell the club.
Abramovich was in charge when Anelka moved to Stamford Bridge from Bolton Wanderers in 2008, but the Russian issued a statement this week confirming he is looking to sell up, nearly 20 years after taking over.
Reports suggest a sale could be clinched as early as next Monday, with an American-Swiss consortium showing an interest despite the outgoing owner's significant asking price for the London club.
As the curtain looks set to come down on Abramovich's time in west London, those who interacted with the Russian have made their feelings known, with Anelka the latest to praise a man who has had a significant impact on Chelsea and on English football.
How will you remember Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section
"He succeeded in making them the club they are today, which has won virtually every trophy going," Anelka told RMC (via The Sun ).
"We very seldom saw him when I was at the club, but he was a class act when he used to come into the dressing-room.
"He showed us lots of respect, and always kept in the background."
Anelka joined Chelsea in January 2008, playing for the Blues in the Champions League final that same year, and top-scored in the Premier League in the 2008-09 season.
He left the club in 2012, joining Shanghai Shenhua after scoring 59 goals for Chelsea in 184 games.
The French international also had Premier League spells with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.
"He never spoke out in the media, or tried to take centre stage," Anelka said of Abramovich, who took charge of the Blues in 2003 after they had finished fourth in the Premier League.
"It is sad to see the current situation, as he did so much both for English football and for Chelsea.
"I think all fans will agree with my opinion."
The consortium believed to be leading the way for a Chelsea takeover is headed up by Swiss businessman Hansjorg Wyss and American Todd Boehly.
Abramovich is understood to be listening to offers north of £3bn for the club, which he bought for £140m in 2003.
"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart," Abramovich said in a statement published on the Chelsea website.
"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.
"The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club."
