West Brom defender Branislav Ivanovic has recalled how a pep talk from Roman Abramovich set him on his way at Chelsea.

Ivanovic stayed for nine years, winning three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and one each of the Champions League, Europa League and League Cup — and he believes that chat with owner Abramovich proved decisive.

"When I arrived at Chelsea I wasn't ready to play and I was very disappointing, very nervous," recalled the Serb to the Daily Mail. "In that moment Roman Abramovich pulled me to one side and said, 'Listen, I believe in you'.

"We talked for half an hour and after that I had big motivation to work. Then when I started playing regularly, he gave me advice as well. In that period he would sometimes come to our dressing room and we would always have a chat.

"Sometimes people on the outside can read a situation better than you can yourself, and Abramovich was one of the most important people in my career.

"He is not just the owner, but a friend. I hope we will see him back very soon (Abramovich stays largely out of this country due to visa issues) as without him, Chelsea is not the same club."