The Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, generously arranged a flight to London for the ex-Chelsea star when he suffered a severe leg and ankle injury during a match against Newcastle in 2005. Wayne Bridge, who was 43 years old at the time, incurred this injury when he switched his boot studs to blades. Alan Shearer tackled him, causing his foot to become lodged in the ground, forcing him to endure an eight-month period of inactivity.
Bridge recently humorously reflected on the horrific injury, deeming it worthwhile due to the incredible flight he experienced on Abramovich’s private jet. He shared this anecdote on the “That Peter Crouch Podcast,” recalling, “The funniest thing was Roman ended up picking me up after the game to fly me back home and I had obviously the laughing gas, or gas and air but I was laughing on it.”
“He picked me, took me to the local hospital to see what was wrong, then he picked me up.”
“Got a car, took me to the airport and then he picked me up on his plane which was unbelievable.”
“But oh my god, the women that were serving on there. My god! I remember Roman looked over to me and went ‘don’t seem too unhappy now do ya’.”
Crouch interjected with a jest, saying, “So wearing the blades was actually the best thing you did!”
Bridge continued his reminiscence, describing the opulence of the jet, with plush suede-like sofas and exquisite food offerings, including smoked salmon and possibly oysters. He fondly recalled reclining on a massive sofa with his feet up while being served by the attentive staff.
Abramovich has owned a variety of aircraft throughout his tenure, including a Boeing 787 Dreamliner capable of carrying up to 296 passengers.
He owned Chelsea Football Club from 2003 until 2022 when it was acquired by Todd Boehly’s consortium.
Bridge played for Chelsea for five years from 2003 to 2009 before transferring to Manchester City and ultimately retiring in 2014. As a left-back, he earned 36 caps for the England national team and achieved success in the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his career.
During the podcast discussion, Bridge also made a lighthearted remark about his former manager, Gus Poyet, allowing players to have “too much sex” during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea is currently in the Carabao Cup with points.
It has a even goal difference after scoring goals and conceding .
Chelsea will play the next match in Carabao Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday 27th of September in London. The prediction is Chelsea winning the match.