Roman Abramovich promised Chelsea's players they would end up in Russia one way or another this year.

Steve Clarke is relieved it is Moscow for the Champions League final and not Siberia as Abramovich had earlier threatened.

When asked if Abramovich had arranged a party for Chelsea's players in the city of his adopted home, Clarke revealed: "I'm just glad we are going to Moscow.

"Roman said before the semi-final, 'you are definitely going to Russia, I just don't know whether you are going to Siberia or Moscow!" Chelsea's first ever appearance in a Champions League final against Manchester United next Wednesday will be appreciated by Clarke more than most.

"Certainly when I first signed for this club 20 years ago you couldn't imagine where we are now," said Clarke, who began his association with The Blues as a centre back.

"I don't think I earned very much - about 500 quid a week.

"I think we were below QPR in the league, we were nowhere, just another London club with some good players but always mid-table with the chance of a cup run.

"A lot of people have made big decisions over the years and pushed the club forward."