Roman Abramovich tradition may force next Chelsea owner to repeat tough Didier Drogba decision

It was shortly after the 2012 Champions League final that Didier Drogba confirmed he would be leaving Chelsea on a free transfer. The club did not attempt to stand in the Ivorian's way. Given the heroics the striker produced in Munich, he was allowed to depart on his own terms, after the biggest of highs.

"I wanted to put an end to all the speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea. It has been a very difficult decision for me to make, but I am very proud of what we have achieved," the striker said.

"He feels the time is right for a new challenge," then chief executive, Ron Gourlay, added. "We have known for some time that this outcome was likely but Didier and the club only made a final decision on that in the last couple of days, because for obvious reasons neither Didier nor the club wanted to distract focus away from the Champions League final.

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"The talks were amicable all the way through and we wish him all the best for the future. He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge at any time – either as a player or as a guest of ours."

That Chelsea didn't attempt to convince Drogba to stay was a sign of respect for all he had achieved at Stamford Bridge. Three years later, this was repeated as Roman Abramovich gave his blessing for Petr Cech – perhaps the greatest goalkeeper to have played for the club – to move to London rivals Arsenal in a deal worth £10million.

"Life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will," Cech wrote in an open letter to the Chelsea fans. "I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea - the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day