Frank Lampard revealed that he has had ‘opportunities’ to return to management since his sacking by Chelsea but is taking time to spend with his family.
In his first interview since leaving Stamford Bridge in January, Lampard also admitted that he tried to sign West Ham ’s Declan Rice for the Blues last summer.
Speaking at the Willow Foundation in a Q&A ahead of the London Football Awards, the former England international opened up on life after his Stamford Bridge exit.
“No matter how good you think you are or whatever circumstances you are in, [being sacked] can happen,” he said.
“It gives you a sense of perspective of what’s important. It came at a time where we were due a young son and it has given me a lot more time to be home so you count your blessings on that front.
Lampard, who spent 13 successful years as a player at Chelsea, becoming the club’s all-tme top scorer in the process, returned to the club as manager in 2019.
However, despite a top four finish and an FA Cup final in his first season, a run of two wins and five defeats in eight league matches saw him lose his job in January.
Since leaving the club, Lampard had been linked with manager’s job at Bournemouth before the appointment of Jonathan Woodgate, as well as being touted as a possible replacement for England under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd.
However, despite admitting he was ‘flattered’ by the offers, he says he is waiting for the ‘right’ opportunity to present itself.
“It has been great to be around the family, he added “I have had some opportunities that have come up in the last six weeks to two months that have been flattering and nice but it wasn’t the right thing. It has certainly been nice to step out having been managing two and a half years full pelt.”
Regarding Chelsea, Lampard admitted his fondness for England midfielder Rice and his desire to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
“I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him but I think it’s common knowledge that I was a big fan of his,” he revealed.
“It didn’t happen for various reasons, but we brought in a lot of players in the summer. But I was a big fan of him. For understandable reasons, West Ham know the player that they have on their hands.”
