José Mourinho has hinted that Frank Lampard will return to Chelsea in whatever role he chooses. Lampard recently left Chelsea after 13 years at the club. He will forever be regarded as one of the greatest players to have represented the club.
Amidst the sadness that continues to sink in, Mourinho states that Lampard will be given a role that he desires if he decides to return to the club. The Portuguese boss also said that this is also the wish of owner Roman Abramovich. In an extensive interview about Lampard, Mourinho said:
“You can’t imagine how difficult it was [letting Lampard leave]. But at the same time, I can feel some happiness about the process because, for sure, he comes back to Chelsea. Mr Abramovich – the No1, the most important person – wants very much for Frank to be back, I want him to be back, the staff want him to be back, so he comes back, for sure.
“The other thing is that he can come back the way he wants. Mr Abramovich has left the door completely open for him on the understanding Frank can do anything he wants at this club. He can come back when he wants and, to repeat Mr Abramovich’s words, the way he wants.”
John Terry has already revealed that he wants to be a manager in the future. Lampard is more or less a similar character to that of Terry. It would not be surprising if he decides to become part of the coaching staff rather than in an ambassadorial role. “He can be a coach, he can start at the academy, he can start being my assistant at the same time because he is doing his coaching badges or he can start in a different role,” Mourinho said.
“He can decide: ‘I don’t want to start immediately at the coaching role, I want to be an ambassador, I want to work hand in hand with the CEO, representing the club in important places of our life.’ It’s not the end of Frank Lampard’s career in Chelsea. It’s just a little break.”
Lamps is heavily expected to sign for New York City and play in the MLS. Soon to be 36, it would not be surprising to see Lampard hang his boots in two years. Stars like David Beckham retired around the 38 mark and Lampard could follow in their footsteps.
Mourinho also confirmed that Lampard will retire from international duty after the World Cup 2014. He said:
“I think the World Cup is the perfect way for somebody with more than 100 caps to finish his career in the national team. I told him that: ‘Don’t go more than the World Cup. The World Cup is the right moment to finish.’ Does he accept that? Yes.”
