The Blues clinched their second Champions League title last night after recording an impressive victory over Man City in Portugal.
For the second time as Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich got to watch his side claim the biggest prize in European football.
The Russian flew into Porto for last night’s Champions League final against Manchester City and, like Blues fans across the world, was a nervous spectator throughout.
The contest was settled by Kai Havertz’s first-half goal and after the full-time whistle was blown and the wild celebrations began on the pitch, Abramovich left his seat and made his way down to tunnel. He would watch the Blues lift the trophy at ground level.
Abramovich waited by the entrance to the tunnel at the Estadio do Dragao to congratulate every Chelsea player as they headed into the dressing room. His biggest greeting, though, was reserved for Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spaniard and Abramovich shared a warm embrace before Azpilicuta, as captured by Chelsea’s in-house media, said: “It’s yours. I don’t know where the trophy is, but I’ll bring it to you.”
Azpilicueta moved away from Abramovich before returning seconds later, trophy very much not in hand. No matter. And he decided to ask the Chelsea owner a rather simple question: “Are you happy?”
With a big smile on his face, Abramovich replied: “Yeah, of course. Absolutely.”
While down on the pitch in Porto, Thomas Tuchel was finally able to meet and speak to Abramovich for the first time since taking charge at Stamford Bridge in January.
The German admitted their conversation was short but insists they will sit down and talk properly in the coming days.
“I spoke to the owner right now on the pitch. I think it was the best moment for a first meeting. Or the worst as from now on it can only get worse! We will speak [more] later and tomorrow and I’m looking forward to this.
“I can assure him I’ll stay hungry, that I want the next title, I feel absolutely happy and part of a really ambitious club and a strong group that suits my beliefs and passions about football in this moment perfectly.
“My desire is go for more victories, my desire is to push the group from the first day of next season to the limit. We have work to do to close the gap and this is what I am all about.
“It will be nice to meet him a bit closer. We are in contact, not personal, but we are in constant contact. He knows what’s going on from me directly. It was nice to meet him.”
