The Little Book of Chelsea

There are few soccer clubs in the world that attract as much interest in the modern game as Chelsea. Whether it is the latest observations from former coach Jose Mourinho, his successor Antonio Conte, big-money transfer targets, the style of play or results in Europe, everybody thinks they know what's happening—or at least has an opinion on it. The arrival of Russian billionaire tycoon Roman Abramovich as owner turned a glamorous club with a long history of under-achievement into an international powerhouse. After one championship in 99 years, the Blues have, in a dozen years, won four Premier League titles, plus the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, four FA Cups and three Football League Cups. The club always was a magnet for well-known names—vaudeville legend George Robey played for the Pensioners in the club's earliest days—and, in the modern era, Stamford Bridge has become home to a dazzling array of world stars. From Ron "Chopper" Harris and Ken Bates through Ruud Gullit, Roberto Di Matteo and Glenn Hoddle to Mourinho, Costa, John Terry, Diego Costa, David Luiz, and Thibaut Courtois, there is no lack of characters to draw on for quotes.