Chelsea scout Pete de Visser has lamented Roman Abramovich’s imminent departure from the club, saying his decision to sell is ‘sad news’ for the Blues.
Abramovich announced his intention to sell Chelsea earlier this week as he looks to shore up his assets amid ongoing sanctions against high-profile Russians.
The Chelsea owner is one of a long list of high profile Russian citizens who are facing sanctions and the seizure of assets by countries around the world as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
That’s led Abramovich to put Chelsea up for sale, and there are several bidders ready to match his £3bn valuation and bring his 19-year association with the club to an end.
By all accounts, the Russian would not be looking to sell the club if he had his own way, having regularly insisted over the years that they are not a business for him.
That is something he has reiterated in his comments this week, and De Visser, who has worked alongside Abramovich for several years, insists he is not the man the public believe he is.
“It is sad news because he is a top man,” he told Algemeen Dagblad.
“It is not about money; Roman has money. That is a real difference. In reality, he is a warm personality.
“I might get the yellow card from Roman because I talked about him in the press; he doesn’t like that. But I stand by what I said. I am happy to take the card. Just because I want to tell who the real Roman is.
“Because Roman himself never talks to the press, many see him as a cold-hearted oligarch.
“That hurts me a lot. It is not true. Hence my need to stand up for him. The truth is that he has a big social heart.
“And that is something that should be mentioned at some point. The fact that the money from the club sale goes to the war victims in Ukraine is a perfect reflection of him.”
