A NEW era is set to dawn at Stamford Bridge, upon the news that Roman Abramovich is selling Chelsea.
The Russian announced yesterday that he will bring his 19-year ownership to a close, amid Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Roman Abramovich has seen some brilliant players at Chelsea
The Billionaire’s injection of cash saw the Blues scale new heights, sparking by far the most successful spell in the club’s history.
Fans of the West Londoners have been treated to some of the finest footballers in the land – from big-money signings to academy gems.
Here, SunSport is on hand to round up the best players to have donned Chelsea blue between 2003 and 2022.
Between the sticks, it can only be Petr Cech.
The Czech stopper arrived from Rennes for just £11.7million in 2004 and would hold the No1 shirt for a decade at the Bridge.
Cech helped the Blues to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, a Europa League and a Champions League.
His successor Thibaut Courtois would also go on to be excellent and makes our second XI – while Edouard Mendy is well on his way to that kind of status with his sensational displays.
For longevity, current captain Cesar Azpilicueta edges Branislav Ivanovic at right-back.
The Spaniard has now won every trophy he has entered with the Blues, having recently completed his collection with the Club World Cup.
John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho made up what remains the Premier League’s most stingy back line – conceding a record low 15 goals across the 38 games.
They are our first-choice defenders – with current crop Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger in reserve after last year’s Champions League win.
Speaking of European triumphs, Gary Cahill deserves an honourable mention – having been a rock in a number of trophy wins – including the 2012 Champions League.
John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba celebrate with the Champions League
Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic are two of the Prem’s best right-backs ever
Ashley Cole is the clear choice at left-back after his move across London from Arsenal, with back-up Ben Chilwell still having a long way to go to even get close.
Frank Lampard, who signed prior to Abramovich’s arrival but hit his peak during the oligarch’s tenure, is an easy first pick in midfield.
The Englishman remains Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer, having bagged an astonishing 211 goals from the middle of the park.
N’Golo Kante is our next pick in a midfield three, with Michael Ballack just edging the legendary Claude Makelele, popular playmaker Cesc Fabregas and all-action Michael Essien.
Eden Hazard is a very easy pick on the left flank, having been instrumental in two league title wins at Stamford Bridge.
While Arjen Robben makes it on the right flank despite perhaps lacking the longevity of some of his peers in West London.
Eden Hazard and Juan Mata briefly starred together at Stamford Bridge
Lampard and Terry celebrate with Claude Makelele
Juan Mata makes our second XI, having won back to back Chelsea Player of the Year awards in 2012 and 2013.
Joe Cole, meanwhile, was majestic at times and also deserves a mention.
Upfront is none other than Didier Drogba – who is miles clear of any other striker to have played in the Roman era.
The Ivorian was always the man for the big occasion – scoring in plenty of finals including the equaliser in the 2012 Champions League.
Overall he netted 164 goals in 381 appearances across two spells.
Diego Costa deserves a mention – but no one comes to close to the legendary Drogba.
Joe Cole hugs Michael Ballack
Diego Costa was a much-beloved figure at Stamford Bridge
