Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and former owner of English Premier League giants Chelsea Football Club, has firmly declared that he has no intention of returning to football club ownership or assuming any professional role within the sport again.
Abramovich, who famously purchased Chelsea in 2003 and transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football, made this known in a rare public statement on Monday. According to him, his chapter in football administration has closed for good, and he is focused on other aspects of life and philanthropy.
“I have no interest in owning or working with any football club again,” Abramovich was quoted as saying, adding that he remains proud of the legacy he left at Chelsea but is moving forward in a different direction.
His decision comes more than two years after he was forced to sell Chelsea FC in 2022 following the UK government’s imposition of sanctions on him in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The British authorities had alleged links between Abramovich and the Kremlin—claims he consistently denied.
During his nearly two-decade tenure at Stamford Bridge, Abramovich’s financial backing helped the Blues secure numerous domestic and international trophies, including five Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. His era is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the club’s history.
Since exiting the football scene, Abramovich has maintained a low public profile, with much of his focus reportedly directed toward humanitarian causes and private business interests.
With this latest declaration, football fans around the world, particularly Chelsea supporters, can now close the door on any speculation about a potential comeback by the man who once revolutionized modern club ownership.