Roman Abramovich today branded Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky a 'megalomaniac' who used him as a 'cash cow' to fund his lavish lifestyle.The Chelsea Football Club boss stepped into the witness box in London's High Court to defend himself against allegations of blackmail and intimidation in a £3.5billion damages claim brought against him.
Giving his evidence in Russian through an interpreter, the 45-year-old denies cheating Boris Berezovsky, 65, out of the true value of oil and aluminium shares.
Roman Abramovich (left) and Boris Berezovsky (right) arrive at the High Court in London today. Mr Berezovsky is suing the Chelsea owner for billions of pounds
In a sworn witness statement, Mr Abramovich denied ever being a partner or friend to Mr Berezovsky.
He instead described him as his 'political godfather' who he paid as a 'protector', a powerful man who could smoothe the way for him to found the oil company Sibneft.
Mr Abramovich told the hearing: 'He was first and foremost a politician. I was not his protege and he was not my mentor.'
He said it was not possible to achieve his goal in creating Sibneft without the political influence wielded by Mr Berezovsky, who 'saw himself as a kingmaker'.
But he added: 'What is absolutely clear is that we were never partners in the sense that I understand an English partnership to be.'
Mr Abramovich said the whole point of securing this protection was for other people to feel that Sibneft was his - but for that, he said, 'you were expected to pay Mr Berezovsky whatever he asked, whenever he asked'.
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