BRANISLAV IVANOVIC says Chelsea are sorely missing the presence of one club legend – but it isn't one of their ex-players.

The former Stamford Bridge favourite, who played more than 400 times for the club across nine seasons and won the 2012 Champions League, says it is the absence of the club's owner and benefactor Roman Abramovich that is being keenly felt.

The Russian billionaire has invested a huge chunk of his personal fortune in the team since acquiring the club in 2003, but has been living in Israel since the UK tightened its regulations on visas for wealthy foreign nationals.

Prior to that Abramovich was a regular at Stamford Bridge for home games, and Ivanovic believes his absence from the directors' box has hampered the Blues in their efforts to return to the top of the league.

Chelsea have finished fifth and third in the Premier League since their last title success in 2017, but have failed to challenge champions Manchester City in either campaign.

Ivanovich told FourFourTwo: “This is a new Chelsea team. The club didn’t have the perfect season last year, but still finished third.

“Chelsea need Roman Abramovich back. That’s the most important thing for all the fans. We want to see him at Stamford Bridge, then Chelsea will be among the best teams in Europe once again.

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