The Russian billionaire, who has made few public statements since becoming owner of the London [Images] team in July 2003, wants the league champions and runaway leaders this season to become the finest club in the world.

In a foreword to the new book "Chelsea FC: The Official Biography", Abramovich said: "This book tells the story of the great history and tradition of Chelsea Football Club and this is something I have the utmost respect for."

In excerpts published in Friday's edition of the Times newspaper, Abramovich added: "It (the book) represents the heart and soul of the club and the values it was built on.

"I hope to carry this forward in the true blue tradition of Chelsea but also to build even stronger foundations to last us for the next 100 years.

"In the long term, our strategy is to build the most successful football club in the world."

Abramovich spoke of the pleasure he had derived from his association with Chelsea.

"When I first became involved in Chelsea I had little idea of how much joy and excitement it would bring me and I can think of no more fitting tribute to our centenary season than to enter it as Premiership champions," he said.

"Of course it's 50 years since our last title and I know everyone at the club will be working hard to ensure we will not have to wait that long again.

"In future we hope to bring even more joy than you (the supporters) have experienced over the last 100 years."

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