Despite being a ruthless and cutthroat businessman, Roman Abramovich has a penchant for keeping himself out of the public eye. Never one for making controversial, outlandish statements or soaking up the media spotlight like some of his Premier League counterparts, it still hasn't stopped him from making influential waves in the football stratosphere. For example, instead of taking a bit of time to quietly announce himself as Chelsea's new owner with a few steady and cost-effective signings, he reached into his back pocket and bid a world record £71.4 million for Real Madrid's Raul Blanco within weeks of his arrival. Certainly an audacious bid, considering Raul's idolisation amongst the Madridistas and status he held at the most powerful club on the planet. Chelsea, for all their newly-acquired financial wealth and resources, were nobodies in European footballing circles. For Roman, it was a case of running before he could learn how to jump. He would have to forgo a couple of Hasselbainks, Mutus and Kezmans before he could really entice players of the ilk of Shevchenko, Torres et al.
''Fifa agent Marc Roger, on behalf of Chelsea, asked me if Raul would be interested in entering negotiations for a transfer to Chelsea. I spoke to Raul, my client, and he said 'no'. He's not interested in leaving Real Madrid. Roman Abramovich has made an offer of £71.4 million for Raul and they want to pay him £8.4 million a season, double what he is earning at Real Madrid.'' - Agent Gines Carvajal.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
