£578m
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Abramovich
ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has spent £578million trying to make Chelsea the world’s biggest club.
And he is set to fork out another £810,000 in bonuses if his Blues lift the Carling Cup on Sunday.
The club’s yearly figures have revealed the Russian multi-billionaire, who bought Chelsea in June 2003, continues to pump vast amounts of his fortune into the business.
Yet chief executive Peter Kenyon insists they can still break even by 2010 — despite losing another £74.8m last year.
That is a staggering £204,931 A DAY and £8,539 AN HOUR.
Chelsea’s aim is to continue reducing their net transfer spending which fell to £11.7m last year compared to £84.5m in 2006 and £126.7m in 2005.
That means there will be no big-money swoop for Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho, who was heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s policy will be to sign younger players with a re-sale value.
Kenyon said: “Breaking even is ambitious but I don’t think it’s something we are postponing.
“It’s no less ambitious than saying in 10 years’ time we want to be recognised as a top international club.
“The real measure to us is reducing our investment in transfers and if you look at our trend we have gone down significantly.
“I’m pretty sure we won’t be signing Ronaldinho. We’re always looking to keep the age profile right.
“It’s fundamentally got to be somebody who will contribute to the team and have a long-term view.”
Asked if he felt there was more stability under new boss Avram Grant, Kenyon said: “You would have to say ‘Yes’.
“Avram has got on with the job quietly and efficiently, under some pretty significant hurdles in terms of injuries and the African Cup of Nations.”
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Nedd more gate receipts too, but the capacity at Stamford Bridge is small.
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peanuts to him
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owner so rich.. wats there to break even...? xD
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i have serious doubts they can break even anytime near 2010.
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A long way to be biggest club in Europe. A League cup cost that much?
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their owner rich mah, i think he can fork out 20m if they win the BPL title.
