Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has insisted that Roman Abramovich is the driving force behind the club's continued success.

Kalou played under eight managers during his time at Stamford Bridge, including Andre Villas-Boas, Jose Mourinho and Roberto Di Matteo.

The Ivorian international thinks that Abramovich should keep his trigger-happy approach to hiring and firing coaches to drive the club forward.

He told The Mirror: "The owner used to remind us he is only boss very well and it worked every time.

"He came twice to tell us. Once in Carlo Ancelotti's time and we won the Double, and he came again after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked, and we won the ­Champions League.

"The Chelsea players are not scared of the owner. But he doesn't talk a lot, so when he does you listen. I like Roman as a person. He was very reserved and quiet and loved being around his players."

The 27-year-old ended a six-year spell in west London during the close season, signing for French giants Lille on a free transfer.