Take the story Ferran Soriano recounts about the deal that took Michael Essien to Chelsea from Lyon in 2005. Essien, it turns out, was actually due to join Juventus, with the fee agreed at €15m. Until, that is, Abramovich got wind of it. "Chelsea butted into the negotiations and offered €36m," Soriano, formerly of Barcelona and now Manchester City's chief executive, recalls. "The logic of business said Essien was worth approximately €15m. Abramovich's logic was different. It was the logic of his personal wealth and his desire to have the best team."
Take the story Ferran Soriano recounts about the deal that took Michael Essien to Chelsea from Lyon in 2005. Essien, it turns out, was actually due to join Juventus, with the fee agreed at €15m. Until, that is, Abramovich got wind of it. "Chelsea butted into the negotiations and offered €36m," Soriano, formerly of Barcelona and now Manchester City's chief executive, recalls. "The logic of business said Essien was worth approximately €15m. Abramovich's logic was different. It was the logic of his personal wealth and his desire to have the best team."