'Put Away The Violins!': Chelsea Legend Tells The Club's Fans To Stop Mourning Roman Abramovich’s Exit

Chelsea legend Pat Nevin has told the club's fans to stop mourning Roman Abramovich's exit and save their tears for the Ukrainian people.

The Russian billionaire insists he will not ask "for any loans to be repaid" and has said proceeds of the sale will be donated to victims of the war in Ukraine.

The move comes just days after Labour MP Chris Bryant called on the British government to freeze the assets of Abramovich and other Russian oligarchs in the UK.

Braynt referenced a leaked Home Office document that accused Abramovich of having alleged links to the Russian state as well as to “corrupt activity and practices”, which the Chelsea owner denies.

Abramovich initially released a statement on Saturday claiming he would hand over “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to its foundation trustees, before releasing a further statement on Wednesday confirming his intention to sell up.

Nevin, who made 193 appearances for Chelsea between 1983 and 1988, is not surprised by Abramovich’s decision and has called on the club’s fans to have a sense of perspective.

He said: “The first couple of statements Chelsea released were limp and that is being kind, this one is stronger and close to doing the right thing.

“Chelsea fans will be concerned about the club going forward. The club will survive and let's get this into perspective.

“It is a football club, it is only a game, there are bigger fish to fry right now.

“Chelsea might be lucky and get a wealthy owner. Have a look at what has happened to Barca and Real Madrid, teams go through ups and down, Real fans understand that.

“Put away the violins because the tears need to be about somewhere else in the world.  

“It would be good if the club was sold for a profit so it could help the Ukrainian people.

“The club has been running on getting things back on an even keel for a few years because Roman Abramovich knew all along he wasn't going to last forever.”

Several parties have expressed an interest in buying Chelsea, with the club valued at closer to £2bn than Abramovich’s reported asking price of £3bn.

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claims he has been approached and is now considering an offer.

However, Britain's richest man, Jim Ratcliffe, has ruled himself out of the running, despite being named as a potential buyer in multiple reports.

Ratcliffe’s spokesperson told Reuters: “There is no substance to the stories.”