Carlton Cole Reveals Abramovich Stopped His Move to Tottenham
Carlton Cole has shared an intriguing chapter from his career, uncovering how Roman Abramovich intervened to prevent his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur after the striker had already completed his medical with the club. This revelation highlights the fierce rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham.
During an appearance on the Saux What podcast, Cole recounted the surprising turn of events that went from finishing his medical to an unexpected meeting with one of football’s major figures—all triggered by a single phone call. He stated (h/t TBR Football):
“I got bought. I was supposed to go. I did my medical at Spurs. I’d done it. As I was driving home I got a phone call from Eugene. So Eugene was Abramovich’s right hand man. He says, you’ve got to come back to have a meeting the next day with Abramovich because he’s not happy that you’re going to Spurs. I was like, well, I’m a spare part here, you’ve just won the league. Mourinho’s not got no plans for me.”
What followed was a meeting that Cole never expected. Abramovich invited him to a gym near the stadium, where the owner made his stance crystal clear.
“So I went to the gym right next to the stadium and met Abramovich in there with my uncle and my dad. We were having a coffee and he just says, listen, I don’t do business with Spurs.”
Just five words were enough to end the deal. Despite completing his medical, Cole’s move was off.
Carlton Cole Thrived at West Ham
In July 2006, Cole was sold to West Ham, where he experienced the most successful phase of his career, scoring 67 goals in 293 appearances for the east London club (79 G/A in the Premier League). Having managed just eight goals in 32 appearances for Chelsea, a move to Spurs would have provided him the chance for more playing time and a fresh start.
This anecdote resonates especially today as players like Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke have successfully transitioned from Chelsea to Tottenham, moves that would not have been possible during Abramovich’s tenure. Although the rivalry between the two clubs remains intense, the complete refusal to conduct any business with direct competitors—even regarding fringe players—highlights a different era in football ownership.
Abramovich’s willingness to disrupt a completed transfer simply to prevent a player from joining Spurs demonstrates the significance of the Chelsea-Tottenham rivalry during his time in charge. For Cole, this incident stands out as an extraordinary moment amid a career filled with memorable experiences.