‘Roman saved my life on the verge of death’ – Former Chelsea scout reveals how Roman Abramovich brought him back from ‘brink of death’
According to latest reports, Former Chelsea scout Piet de Visser says billionaire Roman abramovich helped him after he was on the ‘brink of death.’
However, Russian owner Abramovich has put Chelsea up for sale after 19-years of ownership due to his questionable ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The 55-year-old wants an offer of £3billion to sanction a sale, having bought the club for £140million back in 2003.
According to ex-scout De Visser, the situation is a ‘hard blow’ for the club.
The 87-year-old, who discovered the likes of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne and Ronaldo, says Abramovich saved his life after he thought he’d be forced to retire due to a heart surgery.
He told Algemeen Dagblad: “I remember well that I had just had open heart surgery and subsequently had esophageal cancer.
“I got over it but I was a dead bird. So I called Roman to tell him that I unfortunately had to retire as a scout.
“I will never forget what he told me: ‘Piet, you can sign a contract for ten or twenty years.’
You are on the verge of death and they tell you that they want to extend your contract for another ten or twenty years.
“Knowing that you mean a lot to someone gave me a lot of strength.
“Not to mention all those months that allowed me to recover on his boat and in his hotel. I dare to say that Roman saved my life.”