Roman Abramovich confirms plan to sell Chelsea in emotional statement to fans

dailystar.co.uk:

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has confirmed he intends to sell the Premier League club, 18 years after arriving in west London.The Russian billionaire has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks after his native country invaded neighbours Ukraine.

Earlier on Wednesday, reports suggested Abramovich would be looking to sell Chelsea - albeit with a whopping price tag of around £3bn.In a statement this evening, the owner confirmed his intention was to part ways, saying: "I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. "As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.

In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners."The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process.

I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club. "Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated.