Ten years ago on July 1, 2003 a certain Russian billionaire bought an underachieving London club and with it changed the landscape of the English Premier League forever.
Roman Abramovich, the quiet man who stamped his authority at the West London club with some aplomb, made Chelsea into a European powerhouse with the side achieving stupendous success since his takeover a decade ago.
"We are delighted to agree this deal to acquire what is already one of the top clubs in Europe," a statement read on Chelsea's official website a decade ago when Abramovich was named as the owner.
"We have the resources and ambition to achieve even more given the huge potential of this great club."
Achieve indeed the club has since then. In the last ten years Chelsea have won three Premier League titles - the first since 1955 - four FA Cups, two League Cups, one Europa League, won last season, and of course the Holy Grail - the Champions League - which was won so dramatically at the Allianz Arena in 2012.
Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay expects more success in the future.
"It has been a hugely successful decade for Chelsea Football Club since Roman Abramovich took control, with an unprecedented number of trophies in the last 10 years," he said.
"The club has also taken great strides off the field in that time, adapting to meet the challenges of football's changing landscape.
"Mr. Abramovich's early investment in playing staff paid dividends in creating a team admired around the world, but to keep Chelsea among the elite we have always known we must produce our own world-class talent and we are beginning to see the benefits of our academy, which will help us meet our long-term objectives for Financial Fair Play.
"As we prepare for the next 10 years, I feel we are well positioned to continue the success we have so far enjoyed under Mr. Abramovich and everybody here is determined to build on that progress we have made."
Under Abramovich's ownership Chelsea have spent roughly over $1 billion in transfers and over $2 billion on wages, but the success enjoyed during the period has more than made up for the massive investment.
"What came through to me loud and clear in those early days was the new owner's passion for the game and the potential he saw for what Chelsea FC could achieve, both on and off the pitch," chairman Bruce Buck wrote in the Times.
"But few people could have comprehended 10 years ago how Roman Abramovich's ownership would quickly transform Chelsea, taking them from a club facing mid-table mediocrity and near bankruptcy to become one of the most formidable football teams in the world.
"Yes, there is no denying that there have been almost the same number of managers as there have been trophies (11, if Jose Mourinho's two spells are counted separately). But the proof is in the pudding.
"Now of course, Chelsea fans, the fans of other clubs, journalists and observers of the world of football look forward. Will Roman Abramovich become bored, having won all the major trophies? My answer is no. Can Jose Mourinho bring more success to the club? My answer is yes."
