Some of the First Era Players that Chelsea brought in the Roman Abramovich era

The increasingly heated conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had many impacts. One of them is the world of football. From English football, Roman Abramovich decided to step down from his position as owner of Chelsea after 20 years in power.

Based on the official Chelsea website, the ownership of the club will temporarily be held by the Chelsea management and care charity. Whereas Roman Abramovich has changed the history of the club.

Chelsea transformed into a giant club and was respected by many teams after the arrival of Roman Abramovich. Expensive players with star labels also come because of this Russian businessman. To commemorate Roman Abramovich's early journey at Chelsea, these are the first five players Chelsea brought in during his era.

1. Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson became the first name Chelsea brought to Stamford Bridge in the Roman Abramovich era. The England right-back was imported from West Ham United for 8.3 million euros or equivalent to Rp. 134 billion at the age of only 17 years.

At the beginning of his career at Chelsea, Glen Johnson was able to play well and became the first choice. He was also promised a main place at Chelsea's right-back post if he got older. However, everything changed when Paolo Ferreira was brought in by Jose Mourinho.
Ferreira's appearance is considered more promising. This makes Glen Johnson shifted. In 2006, he decided to move to Portsmouth.

2. Geremi Njitap
At the same time as Glen Johnson's arrival, on July 1, 2003, Chelsea brought in Geremi Njitap from Real Madrid. The Cameroonian midfielder was bought for 10 million euros, equivalent to Rp. 161 billion.

Just like Glen Johnson, Geremi often appeared in his first season, although more often departed from the bench. His performances further declined when Chelsea changed the strategy that made wing midfielders rarely played.
As a result, Geremi's playing time at Chelsea is getting less and less. In 2007, he finally left for Newcastle United on a free transfer.

3. Damien Duff
Damien Duff became the figure who made Geremi Njitap more often on the bench when he was in Chelsea uniform. The reason is that the Irish Republican plays on the right wing, the same position as Geremi's.

Damien Duff, who was signed on 1 July 2003, was Chelsea's second most expensive purchase during the 2003/2004 season. Duff was bought from Blackburn for 24.5 million euros, or around IDR396 billion, only lost to Hernan Crespo who was bought for 26 million euros.
Duff's appearance during the Chelsea uniform can be said to be quite good. He was able to collect 19 goals and 28 assists from the 125 games he played over a period of 3 seasons. Duff also left for Newcastle United, to be precise in 2006.

4. Alexey Smertin
As a Russian, Roman Abramovich wants to represent Russia in the Chelsea squad. Still on July 1, 2003, Chelsea finally brought in Aleksey Smertin from Girodins Bordeaux for 5.5 million euros, equivalent to Rp. 89 billion.

The player, who plays as a defensive midfielder, did not have a good career at Chelsea. From a total of 3 seasons as a Chelsea player, Smertin only actively played for one season, to be precise in 2004/2005.
The remaining two seasons, Smertin spent on loan for Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic. He was released in 2006 to the Russian team, Dynamo Moscow.

5. Wayne Bridge
On July 23, 2003, Chelsea signed Wayne Bridge from Southampton for 10.5 million euros or equivalent to Rp. 170 billion. Wayne Bridge did look great when he was still playing for Southampton.
When in uniform for Chelsea, his appearance actually decreased and even tended to be ordinary. The most memorable thing about Wayne Bridge when he was in Chelsea uniform was his feud with John Terry, who was then Chelsea captain. This is also the reason for Bridge to leave for Manchester City in January 2009.

It is difficult to predict what will happen to Chelsea after Roman Abramovich decides to step down from his post. Hopefully the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will end soon and provide good news for the world.