Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich rarely gives interviews – in the past 16 years only two journalists have managed to entice him into an extensive conversation: Lee Igloo of Forbes in 2021 and David Smith of The Observer in 2006.
Even more rarely, a Russian businessman accepts a video interview. There are so few videos of Abramovich’s speech online that most people don’t even know what his voice sounds like.
But why doesn’t he talk to the camera at all? There are two reasons.
Abramovich mentioned the first in 2011 in the case against businessman Boris Berezovsky. Using the example of entrepreneurs Tarasov and Khodorkovsky, he explained why it is better to “sit and remain humble.”
“Once I started making good money, of course I wanted to show: A new life has begun here, we can pay taxes, we declare, we are open… Until a person named Tarasov proved it: he paid all the taxes, paid all the party dues, did everything honestly, openly. .. And what do you think?! It started in this country! Everyone shouted: “This is shameful!”, “One person cannot earn that much!” As a result, the guy flew to England. I remember him well. That’s why I never said anything like that. I have never spoken in public. Khodorkovsky showed that his work is open and transparent… (He served in a colony for 10 years. – Sport24). I understood this lesson well: it will not lead to anything good and will only cause trouble. My rule is to sit quietly and keep your head down.”
The second reason lies in the character of Abramovich.
“Always acts modestly, always dresses modestly, looks modest. Often very sensitive, even timid, ”the agent German Tkachenko said in an interview with Sports.ru
Due to his shyness and sensitivity, the businessman simply disappears in front of the cameras and journalists.
“I have never performed in public. When I start speaking in public, for example, to communicate with journalists, I start to worry, I cannot convey my opinion to journalists. In general, I do not need this, ”Abramovich admitted.
Therefore, in an interview with an Observer journalist in 2006, Abramovich asked not to record the dialogue.
“The recorder is not used: that’s what it needs. American lawyer John Mann is also present during the meeting. According to Smith, Abramovich comes across as a shy person who is not used to talking to journalists. He just relaxes when it comes to football,” wrote reporter David Smith.
But Abramovich hasn’t always been able to avoid the cameras.
Before going to the State Duma, the businessman starred in a campaign video in a fur hat. During filming, Abramovich was visibly nervous and even asked the director what to say.
Soon, the businessman was noticed for his harsh criticism of Russian state-owned companies. If this video had been popular at the time, Abramovich would certainly have had serious problems.
And finally, the cutest video from our selection. In 2010, when Russia received the right to host the 2018 World Cup, journalists asked the businessman to share his feelings. Abramovich was confused, started to smile and therefore could not reply to anything within 10 seconds.
Judging by these videos, Abramovich is not very good at speaking in front of the camera. But fortunately for the owner of Chelsea, this is not necessary for a successful business.
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