Chelsea stars ‘were convinced to agree to 10 per cent pay cut by Roman Abramovich’s efforts’

Roman Abramovich’s endeavours to support the NHS in the fight against coronavirus convinced Chelsea‘s players to agree to a 10 per cent wage cut, according to The Sun.

Last month the 53-year-old allowed staff at St Mary’s Paddington, Charing Cross and Hammersmith Hospitals to stay in his 72-room hotel at Stamford Bridge free of charge.

Abramovich also opened Chelsea’s 42,000-capacity Stamford Bridge stadium to give meals to vulnerable people in the community.

Roman Abramovich’s generosity reportedly convinced Chelsea players to take a pay cut

Blues players subsequently accepted wage cuts on Sunday, reportedly trimming £10million off the Russian’s £285m annual wage bill.

Talks have been ongoing with managing director Marina Granovskaia during the pandemic and they have remained amicable, with many players already contributing to the #playerstogether campaign funding the NHS.

But Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta consented to the proposal on Sunday, suggesting players will be flexible if the club’s financial situation worsens.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Southampton and West Ham players have already agreed to wage deferrals, while Watford’s stars are set for a 30 per cent wage deferral.