David Luiz Says Roman Abramovich Still Loves Chelsea, Hungry for Success

Chelsea defender David Luiz has said owner Roman Abramovich retains his love and passion for the Blues, despite his absence from Stamford Bridge this season due to issues with his visa.

Speaking to the Daily Mail's Matt Barlow, Luiz said the Russian remains hungry for success, even if he can't watch his players in action in person:

"He has been away, but his heart is here. He loves this club. He is the one who built Chelsea. Everything at Chelsea changed because of him. The results speak for themselves. Fifteen trophies in 15 years. He came here to do something amazing and he did it. ...

"It is difficult for him, but his heart is with us. He tries to be involved every single day. He is still really passionate for the club. He is still thinking in the same way. He has the same hunger, thinking about winning. He doesn't want to lose energy."

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Per Barlow, Abramovich's UK visa was not renewed, making it impossible for him to travel to west London to watch the Blues this season. He is expected to attend the Final Whistle on Hate friendly against the New England Revolution in Boston on Thursday, however.

Abramovich's continued absence has fuelled speculation the club could change ownership in the near future. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken of his interest in buying the Premier League giants, per BBC Sport, but as of right now, the Blues are not for sale, according to ESPN FC's Liam Twomey.

Luiz signed a new contract with the club last week, and Chelsea underlined how highly they value the Brazilian by breaking their self-imposed rule of not handing players older than 30 a multiyear deal, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

The 32-year-old told Barlow he doesn't consider himself a father-figure to the rest of the squad, but more like an older brother who has Chelsea in his heart:

"I came here to a big team with legends in the dressing room, and I won the Champions League.

"It means a lot to me to sign a new contract. I had some other options, but I always look to try to find a new challenge in my life —that's why I moved to Paris and that's why I moved back because I saw the chance to fight for the Premier League."

Luiz started 36 Premier League matches for the Blues this season, so there's little doubt manager Maurizio Sarri rates the centre-back highly. He also featured in both legs of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt and is likely to get the nod in the final against Arsenal on May 29.

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Luiz touched on the possible transfer ban the club could face, saying there's enough talent in the squad to cope and it could open the door for some of the talented academy graduates:

"We have top-class players, and we have good young players. Ruben (Loftus-Cheek) has had the best season of his career. Callum (Hudson-Odoi) was doing amazing until his injury.

"This is a talented generation at Chelsea and I believe in them. I love players like Reece James, and Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount."

Per Matt Law of the Telegraph, Chelsea's request to freeze their two-window ban pending an appeal was not approved by FIFA, and the Blues will now take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It's still unclear whether the club will be able to register any players this summer.