NICOLAS ANELKA has paid a fulsome tribute to Roman Abramovich following the Russian’s decision to sell Chelsea.
The Blues have won 21 trophies since the billionaire took charge at Stamford Bridge in 2003.
They paid Bolton £15million for France striker Anelka, 42, in 2008.
He went on to score 59 goals in 184 appearances, helping the west Londoners win the Premier League and two FA Cups.
The now-retired frontman claimed Abramovich‘s input has benefited all of English football, and hailed the Russian’s low-key approach at Chelsea.
Anelka has also played for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom, and his other clubs include Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
French broadcaster RMC quizzed him about Abramovich’s decision following the businessman’s announcement he is selling up on Wednesday.
The 69-cap international said: “I’m very sad about it. When he arrived at Chelsea they were fourth or fifth in the Premier League.
“He succeeded in making them the club they are today, which has won virtually every trophy going.
“We very seldom saw him when I was at the club, but he was a class act when he used to come into the dressing-room.
“He showed us lots of respect, and always kept in the background.
“He never spoke out in the media, or tried to take centre stage.
“It is sad to see the current situation, as he did so much both for English football and for Chelsea.
“I think all fans will agree with my opinion.”
Anelka left Chelsea for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua a decade ago.
