Frank Lampard returns to Chelsea as coach

Chelsea on Thursday appointed former midfielder Frank Lampard as their manager on a three-year deal. He will succeed Maurizio Sarri, who left Stamford Bridge in June to take charge of Juventus.

"I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach. Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead. I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started," said Lampard on his signing according to the Chelsea website.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "It gives us great pleasure to welcome Frank back to Chelsea as head coach. Frank possesses fantastic knowledge and understanding of the club and last season, he demonstrated he is one of the most talented young coaches in the game."

"After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goal-scorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so. We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success," he added.

The 41-year-old made 648 appearances for Chelsea, winning 11 major trophies with them. Lampard left Stamford Bridge in 2014 having won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League.

He is also the Blues' player to have represented his country more than anyone else in England's history. He retired from England duty with 106 caps and 29 goals to his name, hanging up his boots in February 2017.

( With inputs from IANS )