The footballing world is still coming to terms with Roman Abramovich's bombshell decision to sell Chelsea.
After days of speculation, the Russian oligarch confirmed yesterday what many felt was inevitable: his departure from Stamford Bridge. The billionaire, who bought the Blues back in 2003, announced that he would be putting the club up for purchase amid claims his assets in the United Kingdom would be frozen due to his alleged ties with Vladimir Putin.
"I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC," Roman said in an official statement released by the London giants.
"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club's best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club's sponsors and partners."
Abramovich, who promised to donate the net proceeds from the sale to help the victims of Russia's war with Ukraine, also added: "Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.
"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart."
That announcement came shortly before the club's FA Cup showdown with Luton Town, meaning journalists were unable to probe Thomas Tuchel for his thoughts until after the showdown.
The German head coach was asked for his thoughts on the Russian billionaire's inevitable departure and the oligarch's impact during his 19-year reign at Chelsea. However, the former PSG and Dortmund boss was candid, admitting that he is yet to come to grips with this situation given how quickly things unfolded.
"It's a bit too early to speak, because I can only think about Chelsea with Roman Abramovich," the tactician said, as per the Daily Mail. "So it's very hard for me. It hasn't sunk in yet that this is going to stop. It's a massive change of course.
"We did not talk about it (before the Luton match). We did not talk about it, we accepted it.
"The players have internet connections, they watch TV so of course they knew, they get messages. But still we focused in the preparation only on sports.
"And maybe some players are more affected, some less, but in the end we managed to focus, grow into this game and find the key top win it.
"I don't think I need to talk about it, I don't know as much as maybe you think. I'm not a CEO or member of the board. So, I'm very sure the club will speak to us and the players.
"I'm not so much worried because I still feel privileged and in a good place. And I still hope and trust for the best. I'm not so much the person who worries about things I cannot influence.
"It's big news, it will be a big change, but I'm also never afraid of change, and will focus on what I can influence, and this is staff and team at Cobham."
While Chelsea won their FA Cup 5th round tie, the champions of Europe went a goal down on two separate occasions, first going 1-0 down before trailing 2-1. However, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku managed to turn things around, guiding the team to a 3-2 victory in the end.
Nonetheless, this latest development has brought undeniable distraction to the Blues as the London giants continue their push for silverware, having lost the Carabao Cup recently. As for who will buy the Premier League heavyweights, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has been linked with a takeover with the help of a consortium, but only time will tell if that's true.
