Chelsea right-back Reece James has thanked Frank Lampard for allowing him to "live his dream" following his sacking on Monday morning.
After a run of five defeats in their last eight Premier League outings, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich elected to pull the trigger on Lampard's tenure at Stamford Bridge, despite him overseeing the Blues' 3-1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Lampard spent less than two years in charge at Stamford Bridge, with his first season proving to be a roaring success, as he guided the club to both a top-four finish and the FA Cup final.
Ultimately, though, results in the last few weeks had not been good enough following a huge £220million spend during last summer's transfer window.
Although the dust has barely had time to settle on Lampard's exit, former Borussia Dortmund and Paris-Saint Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is set to replace Lampard in the Stamford Bridge managerial hot-seat.
Lampard's departure, though, has hit both Chelsea's supporters and some of the players hard, with the former Derby County manager holding a unique spot in the club's history.
Following his dismissal, defender James, who was handed his Blues debut by Lampard in September 2019, starting a Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town at Stamford Bridge, took to social media to pay credit to his former boss and thank him for all the faith and trust he had installed in him.
James wrote on Instagram: "As a Chelsea fan growing up I've always looked up to you, idolised you. I can't explain what it's been like to play under you, the whole journey has been surreal.
"I cannot thank you enough for putting my trust into me and giving me the opportunity to play for my boyhood club!
"Thank you so much for all you have taught me, which I will continue to use throughout the rest of my career.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my dream. I'll forever be grateful."
James spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Wigan Athletic, playing a key role in helping them avoid relegation to League One.
The England international had mage such a big impact during his time at the DW Stadium that Lampard was willing to give him an opportunity to prove himself at the very highest level. Last season, James made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering three assists.
This term, the defender has made the right-back berth his own, featuring 18 times in all competitions, chipping in with one goal and claiming four assists.
