ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is splashing a world record £13.25million to make Andre Villas-Boas boss of Chelsea.
That is the astonishing cost of the release clause to take Villas-Boas, 33, from Porto - a record for any football manager transfer.
And Blues owner Rom could fork out another £26.5m for the Portuguese club's striker Falcao.
Porto defender Alvaro Perreira admitted last night: "Andre Villas-Boas went to Chelsea. Abramovich took our manager.
"We have to thank the coach for all the work and trophies won with us."
Villas-Boas, who learned his trade under Sir Bobby Robson and Jose Mourinho, took charge at Porto last summer.
He led them to four trophies in one season - the Europa League plus the Portuguese League, Cup and Super Cup.
Colombian Falcao, who has two years left on his contract, was a key member of that side.
He scored a record 17 goals in Europe, including the winner in the final against Braga.
Claudio Mossi, a Falcao agent, said last night: "If Villas-Boas is the new coach of Chelsea it is normal for players that are closest to follow him."
Falcao is a huge admirer of Villas-Boas and said: "It's thanks to him that every player felt relevant and he kept us all motivated. This was decisive."
Falcao joined Porto in 2009 and has an astonishing 41 goals in just 50 appearances.
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