Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003 and has since transformed the club into a force in the English Premier League and in Europe.
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003 and has since transformed the club into a force in the English Premier League and in Europe.
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In 2012, Chelsea reached the pinnacle of European football. It defeated Bayern Munich on penalties in the Champions League final, becoming kings of Europe for the first time in its history.
In 2012, Chelsea reached the pinnacle of European football. It defeated Bayern Munich on penalties in the Champions League final, becoming kings of Europe for the first time in its history.
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The match finished 1-1 after extra-time, with striker Didier Drogba scoring the winning penalty in the shootout. Here, Spaniards Fernando Torres (left) and Juan Mata celebrate with the trophy. Both have since left the club.
The match finished 1-1 after extra-time, with striker Didier Drogba scoring the winning penalty in the shootout. Here, Spaniards Fernando Torres (left) and Juan Mata celebrate with the trophy. Both have since left the club.
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Abramovich has also funded a redevelopment of the club's training facilities in Cobham, west London.
Abramovich has also funded a redevelopment of the club's training facilities in Cobham, west London.
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He was also responsible for bringing coach Jose Mourinho to the club in 2004. Two Premier League titles followed before the Portuguese was sacked in 2007, only to return to Stamford Bridge in 2013 and guide the Blues to another championship.
He was also responsible for bringing coach Jose Mourinho to the club in 2004. Two Premier League titles followed before the Portuguese was sacked in 2007, only to return to Stamford Bridge in 2013 and guide the Blues to another championship.
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Chelsea's players celebrating after securing the 2014-15 EPL title with a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace.
Chelsea's players celebrating after securing the 2014-15 EPL title with a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace.
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Marcel Desailly played for Chelsea between 1998 and 2004, the year after Abramovich took control of the club. He was part of the team which won the FA Cup in 2000, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the final.
Marcel Desailly played for Chelsea between 1998 and 2004, the year after Abramovich took control of the club. He was part of the team which won the FA Cup in 2000, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the final.
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After leaving Chelsea, Desailly played for two clubs in Qatar before retiring in 2006. The defender was also a key part of the France team which won the World Cup in 1998 and was crowned European Champions two years later.
After leaving Chelsea, Desailly played for two clubs in Qatar before retiring in 2006. The defender was also a key part of the France team which won the World Cup in 1998 and was crowned European Champions two years later.
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