Mr Abramovich Speaks

Champions Champions
By BlueBlood
May 9 2005

The following message from Mr Abramovich is not going to please those who believed and still believe that Mr Abramovich is not interested in the long haul at Chelsea Football Club.

Mr Abramovich says, "It is with great pleasure that I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Chelsea Football Club board of directors, chief executive Peter Kenyon, manager Jose Mourinho, captain John Terry, the staff and especially the players on bringing the Premiership title to Stamfrod Bridge.

Winning the League this year is especially moving as it comes on the 50th anniversary of Chelsea's last title and at the beginning of the club's Centenary year celebrations. I would especially like to congratulate the fans - you have waited patiently and this victory has only been possible thanks to your support. I am very honoured to share in your joy.

My heart goes out to those long-term supporters who did not live to see Chelsea reach the pinnacle of English football once again, and I would like to dedicate this trophy to them. Fifty years is much too long to wait, and I am confident that we will not have to wait that long again. I view this championship as just the beginning of a new era for Chelsea and would like to reiterate my long-term commitment to the club. Much has been said about the financial outlay over the past two years. However, this must be seen in the context of placing Chelsea on a level playing field with the other top clubs in England and Europe for a sustained period.

We have made solid investments on the field in players, management, training facilities and an academy that will nurture the next generation of home grown talent. Off the field, a team of executives and senior managers has been put together to grow the business and capitalise on the playing success. All of this is a long-term, deliberate strategy with the aim of building the most successful football club in the world in the next ten years and beyond. Under chairman Bruce Buck, Peter Kenyon and Jose Mourinho, we have a strong leadership team that shares my vision.

Many challenges lie ahead and I look forward to sharing many more moments with all of Chelsea's fans around the world."

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