‘I didn’t think I’d leave Real Madrid – but Abramovich got me to join Chelsea’

EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid is the end goal for most football players, but one midfielder departed the Bernabeu after being convinced to join Chelsea by Roman Abramovich

Real Madrid may be the biggest club in world football, but a conversation with Roman Abramovich was enough to convince Claude Makelele to join Chelsea. If there was ever any doubt about the iconic Frenchman’s Premier League legacy, it is that many still refer to the defensive midfield position as ‘the Makelele role’.

In 2003, Abramovich forked out £140million on what was an unprecedented transfer window, which saw 11 players walk through the doors of Stamford Bridge. Although the likes of Joe Cole, Hernan Crespo and Damien Duff were among the star-studded arrivals, Makelele was the most significant player of the bunch.

As well as his unerring ability to control a midfield and protect his defence, his signing was a statement by Chelsea. Makelele was considered to be an integral, albeit under-appreciated, player at the Bernabeu throughout his years at the Spanish giants.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, while representing bet365, he said: “Generally, you never move from Real Madrid because it is the best team in the world. The opportunity came to me because Roman fought for me to come to Chelsea.

“I started to learn about the Premier League and I was so surprised with the fast football. I enjoyed the football.

“It was amazing, fun, box-to-box, fighting. I think the sport was like this. I finished my career at PSG, but I enjoyed playing in the Premier League a lot.”

Makelele spent three seasons at the Bernabeu, where he won two La Liga titles and the Champions League, playing alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos and many other top stars.

The French midfielder departed the Spanish capital just as the so-called Galactico period was about to begin. While he spent one season playing with Ronaldo, Makelele passed David Beckham – who had just been signed from Manchester United – on his way out of the club.

Looking back on his decision, it was the direct contact from Abramovich – who was forced to relinquish control and sell the club in 2022 – that convinced him to choose west London.

Makelele added: “Yeah, I spoke to him (Abramovich) and he convinced me, (Claudio) Ranieri also. He pushed, and pushed, and pushed and I realised the club fought for me.

“It was why I decided to come to Chelsea, because they wanted me, they wanted me 100 per-cent. When I came I gave 100% myself.

“I gave my all and my soul for the club. We built an amazing team and people enjoyed watching us, not just Chelsea fans, but the Premier League enjoyed the way we played.”

Makelele was at the heart of a golden period for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the FA Cup. It proved to be the perfect move at the perfect time, as Los Blancos’ Galacticos did not reach the heights many were expecting.

Claude Makélélé was speaking on behalf of bet365, the official global partner of the UEFA Champions League. bet365 have given away more than 3000 UEFA Champions League tickets to fans this season, including the semi-finals and final. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly. Full interview can be found at bet365 News.

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