Frank Lampard has released a statement following his sacking by Chelsea. Lampard was relieved of his duties on Monday morning after a poor run of results in the Premier League. Chelsea are set to appoint Thomas Tuchel as their next head coach this week.
"Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months.
"I hope they know what that means to me.
"When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.
"I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well.
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"I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.
"I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times.
"I wish the team and the club every success for the future."
Lampard was appointed Chelsea head coach in the summer of 2019 following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.
He led the club to a fourth-placed finish in his first campaign in charge but leaves with the Blues ninth in the table.
Abramovich broke a trend by releasing a statement on the departure of Lampard, something he has not done for previous managers he has sacked at Chelsea
“This was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him’," Abramovich said.
Chelsea news :Frank Lampard was unable to win a trophy as Blues boss (Image: EXPRESS)
“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, the board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as head coach and wish him every success in the future.
"He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”