FRANK LAMPARD revealed he has received some ‘flattering’ offers to return to management – but ‘they were not quite right’ for the Blues legend.
Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2019 and in his first season secured the club and top four finish and a place in the FA Cup final.
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But 18 months later and he was forced to clear out his locker as Chelsea’s form suffered, leading to his firing.
Lampard, who was replaced by German Thomas Tuchel, has now spoken out for the first time since being sacked by Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
Speaking at a Q&A hosted by the London Football Awards in aid of the Willow Foundation, he said: “Football has consumed my life firstly as a player and then as a manager.
“Nobody wants to lose their job. But when you go into this career, it can happen, no matter how good you think you are.
“It’s given me a lot more time to be at home. It’s been great to be around the family.
“I’ve had some opportunities that have come up in the last six weeks, two months, that have been flattering, but not the right thing.
“They were not quite right.”
Lampard, 42, has since been linked with taking over at Crystal Palace, Celtic and Bournemouth.
And with England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd coming to and end of his contract, an international switch has also been mooted.
Lampard did not address the speculation surrounding his future, but did confirm plans to return to coaching.
He said: “It would be something I’m very keen to do in the right time and place. My eyes are always on it.
“I’m always watching football and trying to get better. I’ll try and find the right time and right opportunity. I’m very keen to get working again.
“I try to. As I say, how much it consumes you when you’re in it is a big deal. You cannot take away your love of the game. I like to keep involved.”
Chelsea’s performances have turned around under new boss Tuchel, with the club fifth and leading Porto 2-0 in their Champion League quarter-final first leg.
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But Lampard’s dismissal was hugely unpopular with a section of Blues supporters, who have since shown their support to Tuchel.
And Lampard thanked the fans who have always pledged their loyalty to him, and hopes they can return to Stamford Bridge soon.
He said: “I’m absolutely appreciative of the opportunity I had to manage Chelsea. It was an incredible time.
“Everyone knows how I felt about the club. 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.
“When I read the headline about fans being back, it’s so exciting. Yeah, cannot wait for that.”
