Roman Abramovich breaks silence for first time in months with 234-word statement after £4.25bn Chelsea takeover
ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has penned an emotional statement speaking of his "legacy" at Chelsea as the club prepares to change hands.
The Blues confirmed this morning that Todd Boehly's £4.25bn takeover is expected to be completed by Monday.
And as the Abramovich era nears its conclusion, the sanctioned Russian oligarch has broken his silence for the first time in months.
He wrote a 234-word statement wishing success to Boehly and his consortium, both on and off the pitch.
Abramovich also vowed "millions of people will benefit" from the charitable foundation that is set to receive the proceeds of the sale.
His statement read: "It has been nearly three months since I announced my intention to sell Chelsea FC.
"During this time, the team have worked hard to find the right custodian for Chelsea FC that would be best positioned to successfully lead the Club into its next chapter.
"The ownership of this Club comes with great responsibility. Since I came to Chelsea nearly twenty years ago, I have witnessed first-hand what this Club can achieve.
"My goal has been to ensure that the next owner has a mindset that will enable success for the Men’s and Women’s team, as well as the will and drive to continue developing other key aspects of the Club, such as the Academy and the vital work of Chelsea Foundation."
Abramovich called owning Chelsea the "honour of a lifetime" as his 19-year ownership reaches its conclusion.
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He continued: "I am pleased this search has now come to a successful conclusion. As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.
"It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this Club – I would like to thank all the Club’s past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years.
"I am proud that as a result of our joint successes, millions of people will now benefit from the new charitable foundation which is being established.
"This is the legacy which we have created together.
"Thank you. Roman."
The Blues won the Premier League and FA Cup on five occasions under Abramovich, the Champions League and Europa League twice, plus three League Cups.
But on Monday a new era will begin.
The takeover is set to be completed just ONE DAY before the May 31 deadline for Chelsea to be forwarded by the FA to take place in next season’s Champions League.
Boehly's £4.25bn takeover was granted approval from the UK Government in midweek.
The LA Dodgers part-owner had already passed the Premier League's owner and directors test.
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Boss Thomas Tuchel can now begin to try and make up for lost time in the transfer market as sanctions are lifted.
He will reportedly have around £200million worth of funds in order to try and close the gap to Prem leaders Manchester City and Liverpool.