New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has paid tribute to Derby County, saying he ‘feels privileged’ to have managed the club, after his return to Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
The 41-year-old was announced as Chelsea head coach on Thursday morning, replacing Maurizio Sarri, who left earlier this summer to join Juventus.
Derby gave Lampard his first job in management when appointing him as Rams boss last summer. He repaid that faith by leading them to the brink of promotion to the Premier League, eventually losing against Aston Villa in May’s Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.
In a parting message on Instagram, Lampard wrote: “I would like to say a special thank you to Mel Morris, players, staff and everyone who is associated with Derby County Football Club.
“It has been a fantastic experience for me and I feel privileged to have managed such a prestigious club.
“Most of all, I want to thank the fans who supported me and the team from the day I arrived in the City. I wish everyone the best of luck going forward.”
