5 things you probably didn't know about Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

#5 Abramovich initially wanted to buy Tottenham Hotspur

Before Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea Football Club, he had first set his eyes on Tottenham Hotspur in north London. The club chairman Daniel Levy even confirmed the bid back in 2003. Abramovich had visited White Hart Lane and later expressed an interest in buying the club through an intermediary.

“Yes, we did have a meeting at his request because he wanted ENIC's perspective on the European football market,” Levy had said. “It is important to note however, that at no time did we discuss, either then or subsequently, his desire to acquire a Premiership club."

At the time, Levy didn’t think it was a serious bid and quoted an outrageous price just to get him off his back. Abramovich then decided it was not worth it and proceeded to buy Chelsea even though it cost him £60 million – £10 million more than Tottenham’s price.

But in return, he had a developed stadium ready and also two hotels – a better bargain than buying Tottenham. Chelsea were also ready to sell because of the debts, which Abramovich duly paid off.