KAI Havertz has said he is willing to bail Chelsea out if the sanctions against the club affect their travel costs.
The English club are in a financial squeeze following sanctions imposed on the owner Roman Abramovich for his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently ordered the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Russia and Putin’s known associates, including Abramovich, have had their assets in Europe seized, which has adversely affected Chelsea’s finances.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had said earlier that because of the club’s sanctions, they must “stick together” to “find solutions” to their travel plans over the rest of the season.
When asked asked if the players would pay for their own travel, Havertz answered in the affirmative.
“I would pay it, it’s not a problem,” the Germany forward said as he previewed Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Lille. “That isn’t a big deal. For us to come to the games is the most important thing.
“There are harder things in the world right now than if we have to take the bus or plane to an away game.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea want Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors “for matters of sporting integrity”.
The government issued a special licence to allow Chelsea to continue playing after freezing the assets of owner Roman Abramovich.
However, under the terms of the licence, the club cannot sell tickets for matches.
The measure was introduced to stop Abramovich, who is looking to sell the club after being sanctioned by the UK government and banned from being a director, from profiting.
