'Roman Abramovich wanted me to sign for CSKA Moscow - I wasn't sure, so he said, “Well, you’re not going to Spurs"': Former Chelsea striker describes having Tottenham move blocked

SUNDERLAND - APRIL 5: Chelsea players Marcel Desailly, Carlton Cole, Gianfranco Zola and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink protest to the referee during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Sunderland and Chelsea held on April 5, 2003 at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland, England. Chelsea won the match 2-1. (Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images).

Roman Abramovich was a tough taskmaster during his ownership of Chelsea between 2003 and 2022 - so much so, that he blocked former Blues striker Carlton Cole from joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.

Having spent time away from Chelsea on loan spells at Wolves, Charlton and Aston Villa, Cole returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2005 ready for more first team opportunities at Stamford Bridge. With Didier Drogba the starting striker in Jose Mourinho's team, though, his game time was limited to just 12 matches across the 2005/06 season.