‘I understood the challenges … I want to thank Mr Abramovich’: Frank Lampard breaks his silence with a gracious statement after being fired by Chelsea – and says it has been a great ‘privilege and honor to manage’ the club
Chelsea Axed coach Frank Lampard revealed his frustration at losing his job and admitted he wanted more time this season in his first public statement since he was fired by the club.
Blues legend Lampard issued a reaction to his brutal resignation on Monday night, telling fans that he hoped he could try to improve Chelsea’s fortunes this season.
Responding through the League Managers Association, Lampard said: ‘It was a privilege and an honor to run Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.
Frank Lampard said he hoped to have more patience to improve Chelsea before being fired
The club’s best scorer of all time was fired on Monday after dismal Premier League results
‘First of all, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support I have received over the past 18 months. I hope they know what it means to me.
‘When I took on this role, I understood the challenges that were posed at a difficult time for the football club.
‘I am proud of the achievements we have achieved, and I am proud of the academy players who took their step towards the starting line-up and performed so well. They are the future of the club.
‘I’m disappointed that I haven’t had time this season to take the club forward and take it to the next level.
The 42-year-old also shared his words on Instagram, receiving a flood of supportive responses
Lampard thanked owner Roman Abramovich, who admitted that killing him was “difficult”
The pair enjoyed years of trophy glory when Lampard was Chelsea midfielder
‘I want to thank Mr. Abramovich, the board, the players, my technical 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 much success in the future.
Lampard was under pressure after a five-game losing streak in eight Premier League games, although his abrupt departure earlier in the day was still a shock to many fans.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich took an unprecedented step in explaining the relentless change as part of the club’s announcement, calling it a “very difficult decision”.
Lampard joined names like José Mourinho (center) to receive his march orders
Some of the fans who celebrated Lampard’s arrival as coach intend to continue paying tribute to him