Roman Abramovich has been hailed as Chelsea’s saviour by departing Blues legend Frank Lampard.
The Russian bought the Stamford Bridge club from Ken Bates in July 2003 and pumped billions into Chelsea over the next decade.
He bankrolled a major investment into the playing and management staff that has yielded success in the years since his takeover of the club.
Premier Leagues, the Champions League, FA Cups and more all found their way into the trophy cabinet at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard, who joined the Blues in 2001 from West Ham for a fee of £11million, has been integral to the club’s success during the Abramovich era.
He tonight announced his 13-year stay in SW6 had come to an end but reserved special praise for the Chelsea owner, who once called Lampard his favourite player.
Lampard said: "This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity. Firstly, Ken Bates, who put his neck on the line to sign me as a young player and without him I would not have even begun this experience.
"Roman Abramovich, the man who saved our Club and took us all to new levels. His desire to push the Club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone.
"All the managers and coaches who have helped me develop my game during the time I have been here. I have learnt from every one of them.
"All the brilliant team mates who I have been lucky enough to train and play alongside for so long. Not just their football qualities but also the friendships I have gained along the way.
"I'd also like to give a special mention to all the staff and people behind the scenes at the club who do not receive the glory but without them the club would simply not function.
"The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons.”
Lampard leaves as a Blues legend having made 648 appearances and became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with an incredible 211 strikes to his name.
While acknowledging the role played by Abramovich, the Chelsea favourite also took the time to thank the Stamford Bridge faithful for their unwavering support.
Re-live Lampard's best Chelsea moments with our Chelsea gallery.
