DEVASTATED Chelsea fans have taken to Twitter following the news that Roman Abramovich will sell the club.
The Blues’ owner – who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin – made the shock announcement via an official club statement on Wednesday evening.
And fans of the west London club were left stunned by the news, with one tweeting: “Thank you for everything, Roman.”
Another said: “Thank you Roman you’ll always be the best owner in the world.
“Thanks for looking after this prestigious club for all these years, Chelsea wouldn’t be the same without you.”
And another said: “‘Will always be your empire.”
One remarked: “We completed football, Thank you, Roman.”
Another said: “What a bloke. Thank you for everything. What a tenure. He’s Won It All.”
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One wrote: “Thank you Roman. The best owner in world football.”
However, one believes the news will turn out to be disastrous for the Blues, simply writing: “We’re finished.”
Abramovich’s decision to sell Chelsea comes in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and a seemingly imminent crackdown on the nation’s oligarchs.
In an emotional statement, the 55-year-old oligarch – who has also set up a foundation to help the Ukrainian victims of the war – said: “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.”
Blues fans sung their soon-to-be-former owner’s name during their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Luton Town on Wednesday evening.
But the chant was met with a chorus of boos from Hatters fans.
🔵 Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk