Roman Abramovich has spoken publicly for the first time since being forced to sell Chelsea Football Club in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, expressing a heartfelt desire to one day return to Stamford Bridge and bid a proper farewell to the club he transformed.
In a rare interview, the Russian billionaire reflected on his nearly two-decade reign as Chelsea owner, during which the club captured every major trophy in world football, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.
Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003 for £140 million and quickly revolutionised the club, pouring in hundreds of millions to turn the west London side into a global footballing force. However, in March 2022, his tenure came to an abrupt end after the UK government imposed sanctions on him over alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Under mounting political and public pressure, Abramovich was forced to put the club up for sale, culminating in a two-month takeover saga that ended with American businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquiring Chelsea for £2.5 billion. Despite walking away with an estimated 18-fold return on his original investment, Abramovich had insisted that the proceeds be donated to charities supporting victims of the war in Ukraine. That money remains frozen in a UK bank account due to ongoing legal and regulatory hurdles.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Abramovich made clear he harbours no ambitions to re-enter football in a professional capacity, but said he still hopes to one day return to Stamford Bridge as a spectator.
“Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that,” he said. “I don’t have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role.”
Abramovich has not been seen at Stamford Bridge since early 2022 and was denied the chance to formally say goodbye to fans as he relinquished ownership.
Chelsea initially struggled in the post-Abramovich era, marked by managerial upheaval and inconsistent performances. However, signs of a revival are now visible under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The club recently clinched its first silverware of the Boehly era by thrashing Real Betis to win the UEFA Europa Conference League in Poland.
That triumph was accompanied by qualification for next season’s Champions League, offering a foundation for further success as the Blues look to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite.
For many Chelsea fans, Abramovich remains a revered figure — a sentiment echoed in his own quiet hope for closure. Whether he will ever be allowed to return remains uncertain, but the legacy he left at Stamford Bridge is undeniable.