Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has announced he will be selling Chelsea football club after nearly 19 years as owner.
The Oligarch has taken the decision in the wake of intense scrutiny surrounding his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the country's recent invasion of bordering nation Ukraine.
In a statement released via the Chelsea website, Abramovich insisted he was taking his decision "in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners."
He added: "Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.
"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart."
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A heartfelt goodbye from a man who could legitimately claim to be not only one of the most influential figures in Chelsea's history, but also in the landscape of the Premier League.
The season prior to his arrival, the Blues had just scraped Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2002/03 season in a contest against Liverpool that was dubbed "the £20million match".
By that time, word had spread far and wide Abramovich was interested in purchasing the club outright from his predecessor Ken Bates and he was even in attendance at Stamford Bridge for the game.
A month later, the deal was complete and Abramovich embarked on creating a footballing dynasty unlike any other after completing a £140million takeover.
It was a business deal that would change the face of Chelsea Football Club forever, as the oligarch's funds provided the foundation for the Blues to go on and win a stunning 19 major trophies.
The club's honours list under Abramovich's stewardship boasts every single major piece of silverware possible to win following the recent Club World Cup success.
Five Premier League titles, Five FA Cups, a club-first league and cup double in 2010, three League Cups, two Europa Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups - Chelsea are the most successful trophy-winning side in England since they were purchased by the Russian.
However, the two jewels in his Blues crown are undoubtedly the two Champions League titles won nine years apart in 2012 and 2021 respectively.
For eight years, the Stamford Bridge faithful would belt out in unison how they were the "only team in London with a European Cup".
Bankrolled by Abramovich, they are now the only team in London with two before any of their counterparts in the capital have got on the board.
The money on offer from Abramovich has also helped make Chelsea one of the most attractive places to join, whether it be an A-list manager or superstar player.
In Abramovich's first-full season as owner, Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League which was eventually won by a Jose Mourinho-led Porto.
That same summer the Blues poached the Portuguese coach and what followed was arguably the best Premier League team ever assembled.
A perfect blend of home grown talent that included Frank Lampard and John Terry was mixed with foreign stars like Didier Drogba and Petr Cech.
As a collective, they made history by cruising to a first Premier League title while becoming the most defensively resilient team in modern English football history.
Their record of just 15 goals conceded remains the sturdiest Premier League defence to date.
Purchasing superstars has been the most consistent theme of Abramovich's reign, from former Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele in his first summer as owner to the club-record £100m acquisition of Romelu Lukaku in what looks set to be his final summer window at Chelsea.
The Russian did tarnish his legacy among some sections of the Chelsea faithful after the European Super League debacle, but it was swiftly forgotten after the Champions League glory months later.
Two League titles in his first three seasons laid down quite the marker to rivals fans that "Chelski", as they were referred to following his investment, were now part of the English elite.
It would only be a matter of time before they conquered the continent and eventually the world. They did that just a few weeks ago, meaning Abramovich departs having seen Chelsea win every piece of silverware on offer.
Abramovich's Chelsea failed to win the hearts of the purists, chants of 'you bought it all' are still sung by opposition fans to this day.
In truth, Blues fans are unlikely to care - their immediate attention will now turn to how they continue to operate at a level they would have struggled to reach were it not for their Russian owner.
