Roman Abramovich to get Chelsea back? Former Chelsea star reveals recent conversation with Roman Abramovich after being forced to sell Chelsea
John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea midfielder, has disclosed that Roman Abramovich still harbors resentment over being compelled to sell the club in 2022 because of UK government sanctions.
The Russian billionaire, who oversaw Chelsea’s rise to footballing dominance after buying the club in 2003 for £140 million, was compelled to sell the Stamford Bridge club to Todd Boehly’s consortium for £4.25 billion.
Mikel, a player for over ten years during Abramovich’s ownership, highlighted the former owner’s deep care for the club.
“He’s not happy because Chelsea was his football club. He really cared about the football club, not just the players but the fans,” Mikel stated.
The Nigerian also expressed skepticism about Chelsea’s new American ownership, questioning their understanding of the sport.
“I don’t know too much about these American owners, they call it football or soccer? Anyone who calls football ‘soccer’ I don’t want to talk to you because you clearly have no knowledge of the game.”
Reflecting on Abramovich’s influence, Mikel praised the former owner’s relentless investment and ambition.
He went on: “Roman was absolutely fantastic. Listen, the guy spent so much money building the football club, bringing the best, always making sure we remained at the top. Every year we’d be competing, winning trophies.”
Since leaving Chelsea, reports suggest that Abramovich now splits his time between Sochi, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv, with little interest in football. However, his legacy at Stamford Bridge remains undeniable, with fans still reminiscing about the club’s golden era under his leadership.