Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has previously claimed that he was never friends with Roman Abramovich as questions continue to swirl about his ownership of the club.
The Russian oligarch stepped back from the day-to-day operations at Stamford Bridge last week amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and now appears to have moved a step closer to selling the club.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has claimed that he is one of a number of parties who have been offered the option to buy the club.
He said: “[Abramovich] wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
“I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2billion [it is £1.5billion]. But Chelsea has no money. That means: those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich.
“As of today, we don’t know the exact selling price. I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners. But I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I’m definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.”
The Chelsea owner confirmed in a statement that he would be selling the club, bringing to an end a near 20-year association between Abramovich and the Blues.
One man who has worked closely with the Russian in that time is former boss Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese was hired – and indeed fired – by Abramovich on two occasions, leading the club to three Premier League titles.
Speaking in 2016, Mourinho gave his verdict on his relationship with the Russian oligarch.
He said: “He [Abramovich] was never my friend.
“We always had the relationship of owner-manager; a very respectful relationship. We were never friends. We were never close to each other. So, no, he is just a person that I keep very respected.”