Roman Abramovich risked the wrath of his Chelsea captain John Terry
last night by putting Russia's players on £40,000 a man to beat
England.
Details of the incredible gesture from Chelsea's billionaire
benefactor, who bankrolls Guus Hiddink's £1.5million-a-year salary
as Russia coach, were disclosed just 24 hours before tonight's Euro
2008 qualifier at Wembley.
England skipper Terry is one of four Chelsea players in an
unchanged team following Saturday's 3-0 triumph over Israel, but
Abramovich has put club loyalties to one side in order to give
Russia a huge incentive to qualify for next summer's finals.
Around £15,000 a man is coming from the Russian Football Union,
which is funded by Abramovich, and another £25,000 has been
guaranteed from the Russian National Football Academy, which is
also backed by the Chelsea owner.
Russia striker Alexander Kerzhakov said: "For me it doesn't really
matter if it's Abramovich's money or someone else's.
"I play for the colours of the Russian flag and not for
banknotes."
