Former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich continues to deal with the emotional aftermath of being forced to sell the club he cherished, according to insights from John Obi Mikel, the former midfielder who played under Abramovich's ownership. After two decades of significant financial investment and transformative achievements for Chelsea, Abramovich's reign came to an abrupt end, leaving him frustrated and embittered.
Abramovich, who took control of Chelsea FC back in 2003, invested hundreds of millions of pounds, fundamentally changing the club's fortunes. Thanks to his efforts, Chelsea transformed from underperforming mid-table competitors to trophy-laden giants of English and European football. The club celebrated Premier League titles and European championships under his guidance, becoming world-renowned.
Nevertheless, the geopolitical fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine had dire consequences for Abramovich. Amid mounting political tensions, he was subjected to sanctions by the UK government and the European Union, primarily due to his alleged close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Faced with these sanctions, Abramovich was compelled to sell Chelsea FC, resulting in the whirlwind culmination of his ownership saga.
When the sale occurred, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital purchased the club for £4.25 billion, marking one of the largest transactions in football history and signaling the end of Abramovich’s nearly two-decade tenure. Two and half years later, those familiar with Abramovich claim he remains dissatisfied with the way everything unfolded.
According to Mikel, who shared his insights during the latest episode of his Obi One podcast, Abramovich’s feelings about the loss of Chelsea still run deep. Mikel revealed, “It’s just unfortunate what happened: he lost the football club. I still speak to people close to him and it still pains him. He’s still angry about what happened. He’s not happy...because Chelsea Football Club was his football club. He really cared about the football club, not just the players but the fans.”
Abramovich's sentiments resonate among many Chelsea fans and former players, who hold nostalgia for the club's glory years, marked by abundant trophies and star signings. The juxtaposition with Chelsea's present status under new owners has revealed a sense of longing for stability and success reminiscent of Abramovich's era.
Under the current ownership of Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea has invested over £1.5 billion, but the team has yet to recapture its former glory, failing to secure silverware since their triumph at the Club World Cup. Mikel noted, “Trophies have been missing from Stamford Bridge since 2021, and this dry spell is something would not have been accepted under the tenure of Roman Abramovich.”
This fragile atmosphere is compounded by rumors of division within the current ownership concerning the club's direction and strategy. Reports suggest discontent between Boehly and Eghbali, which could lead to major decisions about Chelsea’s board. The uncertainty about the club's future creates additional pressure to achieve results soon.
Abramovich’s legacy is complicated by recent controversies as well. Mikel's comments came amid growing scrutiny over Abramovich’s business dealings, especially around allegations of tax evasion linked to his luxury yacht fleet. A joint investigation suggested schemes implemented to circumvent duties worth millions, raising questions about his financial integrity. Abramovich's legal team has vigorously refuted these claims, maintaining he has acted according to professional tax advice.
Even as rumors swirl around his current affairs post-Chelsea, much remains uncertain about Abramovich's role. Since the sale and the subsequent freezing of his assets, he has been largely reclusive and out of the public spotlight. Speculation suggests he may still manage investments within his portfolio, but potential new ventures are hindered by the sanctions imposed on him.
Abramovich's story—characterized by his remarkable rise from humble beginnings to phenomenal success amid opulence—remains pivotal. His impact on Chelsea FC, both on and off the pitch, is undisputed, influencing club operations, community engagement, and global branding. Yet, the emotional turmoil surrounding his departure continues to overshadow his illustrious legacy.
With John Obi Mikel’s revelations shedding light on Abramovich’s sentiments, it becomes clear the bond he forged with Chelsea Football Club lingers on, underscoring his status as not just a financier but as someone who cared deeply for the institution and its fans.