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Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich reveals desire to return

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Chelsea were owned by Roman Abramovich for almost 19 years, winning every trophy available

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich
Roman Abramovich wants to go back to the Bridge (Image credit: Adam Davy)

Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he wants to return to the club one day.

The Blues were bought outright by Todd Boehly's BlueCo back in 2022 and have since spent over £1 billion on transfers, as well as seeing the managerial reigns swap hands on four different occasions.

Trophy winners in the Conference League this season, Chelsea are now set for their first season in the Champions League since 2022/23, and things have changed drastically in recent years for the blue half of London.

Roman Abramovich outlines Chelsea desire

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Chelsea owner Todd Boehly during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on August 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Todd Boehly bought Chelsea in 2022 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Todd Boehly’s tenure hasn’t come without criticism.

The sacking of both Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino was met with plenty of discontent, especially given their football pedigrees, while big-money transfers have failed to bring in the kind of success that the spend suggested.

Chelsea have enjoyed trophy-laden success under Abramovich

Chelsea enjoyed trophy-laden success under Abramovich

Abramovich is another man known for his ruthless decision-making when it came to permanent managers at Stamford Bridge – and speaking recently, the Russian billionaire claims he wishes to say his goodbyes at Stamford Bridge, especially given the end of his time at the club was met with such high-profile condemnation.

The oligarch has not spoken since Chelsea were bought by the American consortium led by Boehly three years ago, in a deal worth £2.5bn, yet speaking in the new book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC, the 58-year-old said, “Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that.

“I don't have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role,” he added, when asked if a return to the professional game is on the cards.

In the book, new co-owner Boehly outlines his vision to win major trophies at Chelsea, insisting the club’s rich history when it comes to silverware.

Roman Abramovich is sanctioned

Chelsea were sanctioned under Roman Abramovich (Image credit: Mike Egerton)

"Our goal with Chelsea is also to win silverware, because we know, and I know, how much it means to the fans,” said the American businessman. “It makes you appreciate again that sport makes people happy, especially when you win. And Chelsea is supposed to win.

"But I really believe that sustained success is an investment, and no matter what business I'm in, or any industry, there are no shortcuts."

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.