Former Chelsea proprietor Roman Abramovich has mentioned he needs to return to Stamford Bridge for a “correct goodbye,” within the Russian’s first interview since sanctions compelled him to promote the membership three years in the past.
Abramovich was sanctioned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 because the UK authorities froze the property of a number of oligarchs in a bid to “isolate [President Vladamir] Putin and people round him.” Abramovich bought the two-time Champions League winners to a consortium led by U.S. investor Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in Could that yr.
The 58-year-old’s final identified media interview was with Forbes in 2021 however within the guide “Sanctioned” by Nick Purewal, Abramovich addressed the potential for returning to Chelsea, and probably soccer.
“Maybe at some point there can be a scenario the place I may attend a match and say a correct goodbye, however nothing greater than that,” Abramovich mentioned in an interview in Abu Dhabi earlier this yr.
“I haven’t got any curiosity in any position in a soccer membership, actually not an expert position.
“There could be one thing the place I may assist with academies and children, giving larger alternatives to folks from tough backgrounds, if there have been an initiative that might make a distinction.
“However as for possession or an expert position at a membership, I’m finished with that on this lifetime.”
Within the guide, Abramovich is claimed to have facilitated peace talks from the outset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“There’s an outdated Russian saying, ‘The canines bark however the caravan retains shifting,’ and that matches right here,” Abramovich added in his 2025 interview.
“No matter I do, folks will at all times accuse me of some type of agenda. In the long run, I’ve finished what I’ve finished merely to attempt to assist.”
The UK authorities has threatened to sue Abramovich to make sure the cash from the membership’s sale — £2.5 billion ($3.37bn) — goes to Ukraine. The UK authorities needs the cash to be for Ukrainian humaintarian support, whereas Abramovich has mentioned he needs it to go to “all victims of the conflict in Ukraine.”
In a joint assertion, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and International Secretary David Lammy mentioned: “Whereas the door for negotiations will stay open, we’re absolutely ready to pursue this by way of the courts if required.”
A lawyer for Abramovich in Britain didn’t instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.
Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003 earlier than embarking on a trophy-laden period. Chelsea received 5 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and two Europa Leagues earlier than Abramovich’s departure.
Data from Reuters was used on this report.
