Former striker Nicolas Anelka has paid a special tribute to Roman Abramovich following his decision to sell Chelsea.
Russian owner Abramovich said on Wednesday he would sell Chelsea Football Club, 19 years after buying the Premier League team, amid calls in Britain for sanctions against him following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
But that hasn't stopped former players showing their respect to an owner that has brought 21 trophies to west London during his time at Stamford Bridge.
The Russian bought the club from Ken Bates for £140m in 2003 and has made them one of the biggest football club's in world since.
He has splashed out on big money signings throughout his time at the club, one of those being Frenchman Anelka, who they signed for £15million from Bolton Wanderers in 2008.
The former Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG front-man scored 59 goals in 184 appearances - helping the Blues win a Premier League title and two FA Cups.
'I'm very sad about it. When he arrived at Chelsea they were fourth or fifth in the Premier League,' Anelka told RMC Sport.
'He succeeded in making them the club they are today, which has won virtually every trophy going.
'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.
'He never spoke out in the media, or tried to take centre stage.
'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.'
Anelka's former team-mate John Terry also paid tribute to Abramovich by tweeting: 'Thank you Roman. The Best Owner in the WORLD'.
But the former captain has been heavily criticised by a Labour MP.
MP Chris Bryant leading the condemnation as Ukrainians continue to lose their lives following Russia's invasion last week.
'I think @JohnTerry26 you should take this down ASAP,' Mr Bryant said. 'The people of Ukraine are being bombed, shelled and murdered while you celebrate Abramovich.'
Then speaking in Parliament, Mr Bryant added: 'I do not know if you've seen this but he [John Terry] has posted a photo with Abramovich who is one of Putin's crony's. What will the people of Ukraine think of the former England football captain?'
It comes after Mr Bryant, using parliamentary privilege to avoid legal action, alleged earlier this week the tycoon is selling his home and an apartment because he is 'terrified of being sanctioned', adding that he feared the government will soon run out of time to act.
The sale of Chelsea is potentially expected in the coming weeks and Abramovich has instructed American bank the Raine Group to handle the sale.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claims he has been approached and is considering an offer as part of a consortium which also includes Todd Boehly, the co-owner of baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sources claim Abramovich believes Chelsea is worth more than £3bn. However, it seems inevitable he will have to lower his expectations.