Author Description

Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of Chelsea FC, was a penniless orphan who rose from the ashes of Soviet Russia to become one of the richest and most powerful men in the world. His fascinating life story has been shrouded in mystery -- until now. Journalists Dominic Midgley and Chris Hutchins get to grips with the Russian boss of Chelsea FC, who has revolutionised English football since he bought the club in the summer of 2003, since when it has won two Premiership titles. Every aspect of his past, present and future is examined -- his upbringing, including his Jewish background, the friendships that helped him break into the top ranks of the Kremlin, his leading role in the rise of the oligarchs in Russia, the business deals that made him a fortune in less than ten years, and the ambition that promises to make him as big a name in the West as in his homeland. Using exhaustive primary research, the authors uncover the exclusive stories behind the billions Ambramovich made in Russia as Western-style capitalism was introduced by President Putin. They also investigate his reasons for investing part of it in a fashionable London football club. The rise of Roman Abramovich from provincial orphan to one of the most powerful men in Russia is a story that has all the ingredients of a thriller: risk-taking, courage, shrewdness, ruthlessness and, above all, a subtle and manipulative charm.