Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has opened up over his regret at buying the Blues in 2003.
The Russian oligarch took over from Ken Bates before transforming the club, with his investment reaping 16 major honours in 17 years.
But Abramovich, speaking to Forbes in a rare interview, has suggested he might not have bought Chelsea had he known how much it would raise his profile.
“In hindsight, especially with the public profile it would bring me, maybe I would have thought differently about owning a club,” Abramovich said. “But, at the time, I just saw this incredible game and that I wanted to be a part of that in one way or another.”
Abramovich also insists he remains as ambitious as ever after employing Thomas Tuchel, the 15th manager of his stewardship.
“The ambitions are as true now as they were when I first became owner and I hope that can be seen through the work we have been doing on and off the pitch over the last 17 years,” he said.
“I think the trophies speak for themselves and show what we as a club have been able to achieve over these year and it’s my goal for us to keep winning trophies going forward and build for the future.
“Chelsea has a very rich history, and I feel extremely fortunate to a play a part in that. The club was here before me, and will be here after me, but my job is to ensure we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future. That’s why the success of our academy at Cobham is so important to me.”
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Abramovich and the Chelsea board have been criticised for their high turnover of managers but the owner is comfortable with the club’s approach.
“I think we are pragmatic in our choices,” he said. “And we are comfortable making the right changes at the right time to ensure we can achieve our long-term ambitions.
“I hope it also says something about the clarity of the long-term ambition of the club. Those who join understand the objectives both on the pitch, as well as the wider positive role the club plays in the community.”
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