Just before 7 pm on Tuesday evening, Abramovich's decision was announced.
On Chelsea's website, the Russian billionaire makes it clear that he has decided to sell the club.
- I want to address the speculation in the media in recent days regarding my ownership of Chelsea.
As I have said before, I always make decisions with the club's best interests in mind.
Therefore, I have now decided to sell the club, I think it is the best for the club, the fans, the employees and our sponsors, he says.
"It hurts"
Abramovich bought Chelsea 19 years ago.
Already this weekend, the oligarch announced that he would "relinquish control of the club".
Since then, there has been widespread speculation that he was ready to sell.
The sales process will not be accelerated, according to Abramovich.
- Please first understand that this is an incredibly difficult decision to make.
It hurts.
But right now it's the best thing for the club.
Requires no money
Abramovich also says he will not demand the money he lent to Chelsea.
According to Sky Sports, the club owes him around £ 1.5 billion.
- I will not demand the money back.
This has never been about money for me, just passion and sports.
The 55-year-old also states that the club's net profit on the sale will be donated to victims of the war in Ukraine.