Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has said in a statement he has "taken the decision to sell the club".
The Russian-Israeli billionaire has owned the Blues since 2003 and helped steer the Stamford Bridge club to 19 major trophies.
But the 55-year-old's glittering reign in west London is close to an end, with a consortium of billionaires already making their interest in a deal public.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and USA investor Todd Boehly are understood to be two of the parties joining forces and now preparing a bid for the Blues.
Abramovich：
I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. 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.
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. Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.
Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.
I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.
Thank you,
Roman
Philchetz
1016
sell player's to my poor lovely Barca first
jakcdmpst
987
GOOD! Chelsea down now just Liverpool to go
michaelkhongsai
893
The best club owners is selling his club, what a sad news😢. When the situation is normal buy it back again. We will missed your influence on this beautiful club.
angmor0852
659
The Russians are even joking with them
Thewolverine007
655
i hope this happens to united
SIDKAUSH
649
Probably the best owner any club can have. This dude was really interested in betterment of the club rather than just making profits like other owners. He should probably be inducted in Chelseas Hall of fame
DanielKpagh
191
Every club owner should be as passionate and hungry for success as this man is, total respect from an Arsenal fan.
JustineEtuk
148
Roman, I understand the pressure the English media is putting on you to path ways with chelsea.. I deem it unfair... It’s just the risk that comes with owning a business in another man’s land. It’s obvious this decision isn’t straight from the heart... I hope it can be reversed... no owner will come close to what you have made chelsea achieve as a football club. This is from a rival fan... What’s premiere league without competition, weather it’s for trophy or players
Dhruv0010
13
Probably the best owner any club can have. This dude was really interested in betterment of the club rather than just making profits like other owners. He should probably be inducted in Chelseas Hall of fame
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speaking facts..
pekadnptu
9
GOOD! Chelsea down now just Liverpool to go
Roman is probably the best owner in the history of any top club. Him leaving ownership is definitely not good for the game.
angmor0852
9
bro get out... nobody wants to hear your nonsense
Illiteracy is a disease as they say
Draco69
9
The Russians are even joking with them
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bro get out... nobody wants to hear your nonsense
Beautifulboy
8
The Russians are even joking with them
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A Muslim freak is here again.🤣🤣🤣