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Premier League boss confirms shock move to sign Chelsea legend Frank Lampard
PAUL CLEMENT has confirmed he tried to sign Chelsea legend Frank Lampard at Swansea before he announced his retirement.
Swansea wanted Frank Lampard before he announced his retirement
Lampard, Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer, decided to hang up his boots yesterday to concentrate on a career in coaching.
The 38-year-old revealed at the time he had a number of offers to continue playing - and one of those options appears to be Swansea.
Paul Clement worked with Frank Lampard during his spell at Chelsea
Clement previously worked with the former England midfielder at Stamford Bridge, where he was Carlo Ancelotti's assistant manager between 2009 and 2011.
But the recently-appointed Swansea manager failed to bring Lampard, who had a loan spell at the Swans in the 1995/96 season, back to the south Wales club.
Clement told Sky Sports: "I would have loved to have had [Lampard] here. So I wouldn't be lying if I said I tried.
"But I think he was moving towards the decision he made. I fully respect that.
"It would be great to see him continue in the game of football, whether he does or not, it will be something he certainly thinks about in the next weeks or months I am sure.
"He's got a lot to offer and I would like to say congratulations to him on such a wonderful career."