Brits freed from Russia captivity welcomed onto flight by Roman Abramovich
23.09.2022 - 10:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Five Brits who were captured by Russian-backed forces have been released and said they were welcomed onto a plane by ex-Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.
During an interview with the Sun, John Harding recalled that Mr Abramovich identified himself to Shaun Pinner. Meanwhile, Mr Harding spoke to the oligarch's assistant who said the Russian national had played a "key part" in their release.
It is understood that Mr Harding was set free on Wednesday alongside Mr Pinner, Aiden Aslin, Dylan Healy, and Andrew Hill, with the group landing in Britain in the early hours of Thursday morning.
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Mr Abramovich said he would sell Chelsea on March 2, following news of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old was among a number of Russian nationals who were sanctioned by the UK government on March 10 after Downing Street claimed it had evidence of his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
And speaking to The Sun, Mr Harding said the ex-Chelsea owner was there to greet them on the flight.
"Shaun was chatting away to him about football for a long time and I was speaking to his assistant. She said Roman had played a key part in getting us back.
"It’s quite extraordinary to think he was involved — and I wouldn’t have even been able to tell you who he was by looking at him. He’s well respected by Ukrainians and massively by us now, too — he’s done a hell of a lot for us and we couldn’t thank him enough.
“He was a sound bloke, a really lovely guy. He’s a legend — we absolutely love him and I’m so grateful for his efforts.” According to Mr Pinner's family, he is in "good spirits" and "is looking forward to steak and a glass