How the Chelsea players reacted to Frank Lampard being sacked
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live me dream, I will be forever thankful."
Monday was a very sad day for Chelsea Football Club and it’s supporters.
It was the end of the road for club legend and fan favourite Frank Lampard, who was sacked on Monday morning by the board.
With all the talk of player unrest being an issues, and some players creating problems and talking behind the back of Lampard, it was very interesting to watch some of their responses to the news as it unfolded.
You could almost hear the raw emotions and sadness in Reece James’ Instagram post, with the young right back being one of the first Chelsea players to come out and say something.
“As a Chelsea fan growing up I’ve always looked up to you, idolised you,” James wrote.
“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 your trust in 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 thankful.”
James is clearly one of the players who has and always would be putting every ounce of effort in to win for Lampard, and to support Lampard. As is the case with most of the academy lads who have been handed their dreams by the legend.
Another who fits this mould is Tammy Abraham, and he had a classy tribute for Frank.
He said “A role model, a mentor, and a great manager. Thank you gaffer.”
Thiago Silva is another player who clearly has massive respect for Lampard, and his words were equally as emotional.
“I would like to thank you for everything you and your committee have done for me since I arrived,” said Silva.
As I told you, it seemed like we had been working together for 10 years. Thank you very much for everything legend.”
Billy Gilmour was next up to pay his tributes, another player who has been afforded good game time under Lampard at a very young age.
Gilmour wrote “thank you for giving me an opportunity and for your faith and trust in me. It's been an honour to learn from you.”
Then it was the turn of club captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
“I have shared many memories with you since 2012, first as a team mate then as a manager. I’ve learned so much from you. I wish you all the best for the future.”
Ben Chilwell was pursued heavily by Lampard and was a Lampard signing. Which is why his words came as no surprise.
“You believed in me and showed faith to bring me to the club I now love. I will always be grateful, thank you gaffer.”
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then posted his heartfelt message.
“You called me to Chelsea to be part of your team,” said Mendy.
“As a Chelsea fan, I had a special feeling being managed by you. I want to thank you and your team for the trust you showed me and all the things you taught me. Thank You.”
American international Christian Pulisic soon followed with a briefer message.
“Can’t thank you enough for the trust you’ve put in me. Will never forget these last 18 months. I wish you all the best.”
Mason Mount came next with a surprisingly brief message - I’d imagine this is the hardest for him to take above all, and probably hard to even type this.
But he simply said "I learned so much from you both. Thank you for everything."
Lampard himself then took to Instagram and issued his very professional statement, it reads..
"It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long. Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months.
"I hope they know what that means to me. When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.
"I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club.
"I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.
"I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times. I wish the team and the club every success for the future."
So long legend, see you again soon.