STREET WISE
Roman still on the prowl
With the purchase of Chelsea FC, Russian millionaire Roman Abramovich has proved to be a real football fan. Unlike other owners, he has been seen at nearly all his team's matches and never been a cheapskate when it comes to buying new players.
And at this year's World Cup, he has shown once again what a rabid fan he is. He reportedly spent US$1 million (Bt38.39 million) to buy tickets to all 64 matches for people who want to be by his side during the tournament. It was also reported he would make himself available for no less than 48 matches. Indeed, he has a reason to be there. Even though Russia failed to make it to the World Cup, Chelsea football players come from many nations, all frantically zigzagging on the field to prove their worthiness. As a spectator, Abramovich must have been pleased with the performance of Michael Ballack, the German midfield player who artfully helped Miloslav Klose score a goal. Ballack will join Chelsea next year. During the French matches, he could also observe the sterling performance of William Gallas - yet another Chelsea star. Playing for Ivory Coast is the dazzling striker Didier Drogba. Arjen Robben scored the first goal for the Dutch national team. After the World Cup, both Drogba and Robben will again suit up in their Chelsea uniforms. Other Chelsea players playing for their national teams are Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho, Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko and Argentina's Hernan Crespo. Remarkably, England's national team has Joe Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard - all on the first team of Chelsea. Besides observing their performance for the love of the beautiful game, Abramovich could also be figuring beyond that: who else should be bought and who should be sold? Actually, Abramovich's presence can only add more pressure on these players. Just what they need.
achara_d@nationgroup.com
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