The Roman conquest: Chelsea - kings of Europe 2012

After one billion pounds, eight managers in eight years, that 'ghost' goal defeat at Anfield in 2005, a penalty shoot-out defeat in the Moscow final against Manchester United, in 2008 and a scandalous refereeing performance against Barcelona in the semi-final a year later, owner Roman Abramovich got his hands on the trophy he craved in Munich.

After eight years in charge, Abramovich's dream of owning the best team in Europe has finally been realised.

As Didier Drogba was handed the trophy for the first time at the presentation in Munich, he handed it straight to the guy at the end looking as though he had gate-crashed the party.

But this was no ordinary fan on the periphery. This was the guy whose billions helped create the Champions League winners.

Legendary football columnist Harry Harris follows Chelsea's remarkable progress through the 2011-12 tournament and the incredible finish that saw them dispose of the 2011 winners Barcelona and Bayern Munich on their own grounds.