When Roman Abramovich became Chelsea’s owner in 2003, he was an unknown billionaire. The Russian businessman converted the west London club from Champions League qualifiers to Premier League champions in two years, cementing his reputation at Stamford Bridge.
For many years, he was known as a brutally severe yet devoted football team owner. His sacking of great managers like Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti at the first indication of difficulties demonstrated his unwavering determination to succeed at all times.
The former Chelsea owner’s reputation has been tarnished in recent years. Abramovich was obliged to sell the club in 2022 as a result of sanctions placed on Russian oligarchs linked to Vladimir Putin following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Roman Abramovich ‘didn’t do business’ with Tottenham
Carlton Cole played with the Blues from 2001 to 2006 before joining West Ham United on a permanent basis. Since retiring, the striker has disclosed that he was set to join another Premier League team.
That was until Abramovich learned of the proposed transfer and personally intervened to prevent it from going through. Tottenham, London’s rivals, were the club in question. Cole explained in a 2023 interview (via The Sun):
“I nearly joined Spurs. I went to have my medical exam and everything.
“Roman Abramovich found out and he said ‘you’ve got to come back, you’re not joining them’.”
The Chelsea owner said he would not do business with the north London club and demanded Cole return. The ex-England player continued: “He said, ‘You can’t go to Spurs, I don’t do business with them.'” I have an alternative for you,” stated Abramovich. I drive back to Stamford Bridge with my uncle and father.
“He had an interpreter with him. Roman Abramovich was there, and we were conversing. I was wondering ‘where am I going?'”
Abramovich then attempted to persuade Cole to prolong his contract at Stamford Bridge and transfer to another team he controlled, CSKA Moscow. Cole refused, and he continued:
“He said, ‘I’ll offer you a new deal, but you need to move to CSKA Moscow. His other team. I was attempting to make the England team. Those days, you couldn’t travel abroad. If you go abroad, you do not get into the England team.
“So I said to him, ‘I ain’t going to CSKA Moscow, pal.”
Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini was the only Chelsea player to leave for Tottenham during Abramovich’s 20-year rule. That wasn’t a direct move, either; the Italian shot-stopper left Stamford Bridge when his contract expired in 2009.
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