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Frank Lampard explains rejecting new job offers in first interview since Chelsea sacking
Frank Lampard revealed he has received some 'flattering' offers since he was replaced as Chelsea manager by Thomas Tuchel
Harry Redknapp says he’s spoken to Lampard about Chelsea
Frank Lampard has revealed he has received some 'flattering' job offers since he was sacked as Chelsea manager. But the Blues legend says he has turned them all down as he gave his first interview since being replaced in the Premier League club's hotseat by Thomas Tuchel.
Lampard said he had enjoyed "an incredible time" as Chelsea boss after baing appointed in the summer of 2019.
He was lauded during his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge for the role he played in guiding the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham to prominence.
However, he was sacked in January this year following a run of five defeats in eight Premier League games.
But he says he is not bitter, insisting he has been making the most of his time away from football despite being offered various routes back into the game.
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“It's given me a lot more time to be at home," said Lampard in an exclusive Q&A in aid of the Willow Foundation. "It's been great to be around the family.
“I’m absolutely appreciative of the opportunity I had to manage Chelsea," said Lampard.
“It was an incredible time. Everyone knows how I felt about the club.
“Football has consumed my life, firstly as a player and then as a manager. Nobody wants to lose their job."
He added: “From the restart onwards, to the time I left, to not have fans... I absolutely missed them.
“I knew as a player what it meant to me and I knew the effect it has on games. It all felt like the edge was taken off.”
Chelsea are away to Crystal Palace on Saturday evening as they look to leapfrog fourth-placed West Ham, who are one point ahead in the race for the Champions League places and host third-placed Leicester on Sunday.