MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman has hailed Roman Abramovich for his role in transforming Chelsea into a footballing superpower.
Since taking over Chelsea back in 2003, Abramovich has turned the club into a powerhouse in European football by investing millions over the years and apart from his funding, the Russian billionaire has a real passion for the Blues as evidenced by his regular appearances at Stamford Bridge during home matches.
Winkelman has a huge admiration for how Abramovich has revamped Chelsea and has stated his belief that the 49-year-old has a genuine affection for the Blues which runs much deeper than his business interests.
Ahead of MK Don's 4th Round FA Cup clash against Chelsea, Winkelman told the Daily Mail: "They're a fantastic club. I have incredible respect for Chelsea and Roman Abramovich, and his ambition.
"I've found football gets harder, not easier. Boy, do you age in football. It takes so much out of you.
"Music is about exhilaration, about the moment. But it's all on the up. There's one crowd and you're together. Football isn't like that. Football has stress, the atmosphere can change with the importance of it all, and it is draining over the years.
"Roman Abramovich is having a hard year and he's there at the games, he wants his team to win, he's still trying to sort it out and I bet he goes to bed at night worrying about it even though he doesn't have to worry about anything. That's why you have to respect people who try to make a difference."
