Manager Roman Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than three-and-a-half years ago, and manager John Terry is not happy with the situation.
Chelsea legend John Terry has launched a scathing attack on the British government over Roman Abramovich’s forced sale of the Blues following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than three-and-a-half years ago. The Russian businessman bought Chelsea in 2003 and presided over an incredibly successful era for the west London club.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative government sanctioned Abramovich in March 2022 and froze his assets. He then sold the club to a consortium led by Todd Boley.
Sanctions against Abramovich remain in place under Sir Keir Starmer’s Labor government, with the £2.5bn proceeds from the sale of the club remaining frozen in UK bank accounts. Terry has now expressed his anger at the turn of events.
read more: Joe Cole names five Arsenal players in the Premier League’s best team of all timeread more: Chelsea keep an eye on Cole Palmer’s injury return date, with England star desperate to play in big matches
“I think he’s one of the greatest people you could ever meet in your life,” Terry said on the Obi Wan Podcast.
“I think what happened to him is disgusting, I really do, and I think the British government should be ashamed of its actions towards him.
“What he did during lockdown and what he did for the NHS was sensational. He opened up Stamford Bridge to all the nurses and gave people a home during a difficult time. He’s a really lovely, lovely man who loves our football club and thankfully he made the right decision to leave other football clubs and come here.”
Terry further opened up about his relationship with Abramovich, saying, “I think everyone had a really good relationship with him. I have to say he’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life.”
“The old training ground was horrible, and he came in and was like, ‘No, we don’t train there.’” Then shortly after that we bought Cobham and he turned it into what it is today, giving us the opportunity to perform with the best pitch, the best facilities, the best staff and improvements to the stadium. ”
Terry also highlighted Abramovich’s investment in players and fans, adding: “He was investing in you (players) as well. He came to us and said, ‘We’re paying for the supporters to go to Bolton this weekend because it’s after the Champions League game.'” That happened quite often under coach Roman, he was invested in it. One of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met in my life. ”
Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea was detailed in a book titled Sanctioned, which was released earlier this year.
In an interview in Dubai ahead of the book’s release, the 59-year-old said: “Maybe one day I’ll be in a situation where I can go to a[Chelsea]game and say a proper goodbye, but nothing beyond that.”
“I’m not interested in any role at a football club and certainly not in a professional role.”
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
