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Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has described Roman Abramovich as a "class act" as the Blues owner prepares to sell the club.

Abramovich was in charge when Anelka moved to Stamford Bridge from Bolton Wanderers in 2008, but the Russian issued a statement this week confirming he is looking to sell up, nearly 20 years after taking over.

Reports suggest a sale could be clinched as early as next Monday, with an American-Swiss consortium showing an interest despite the outgoing owner's significant asking price for the London club.

As the curtain looks set to come down on Abramovich's time in west London, those who interacted with the Russian have made their feelings known, with Anelka the latest to praise a man who has had a significant impact on Chelsea and on English football.

"He succeeded in making them the club they are today, which has won virtually every trophy going," Anelka told RMC (via The Sun ).

"We very seldom saw him when I was at the club, but he was a class act when he used to come into the dressing-room.

"He showed us lots of respect, and always kept in the background."

Anelka joined Chelsea in January 2008, playing for the Blues in the Champions League final that same year, and top-scored in the Premier League