Jose Mourinho claims that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made it clear that he wants Frank Lampard to return to the club as soon as his playing career is over. Lampard, whois rumored to be on his way to New York City FC in MLS, ended his 13-year association with Stamford Bridge earlier this week, announcing that he would leave the club when his contract expires on June30.
“You can’t imagine how difficult it was,” Mourinho said in a post on Yahoo. “But at the same time, I can feel some happiness about the process because, for sure, he comes back toChelsea. Mr. Abramovich — the No.1, 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 Portuguese added: “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 atthis club. He can come back when he wants and, to repeat Mr. Abramovich’s words, the way he wants. He can be a coach, he can start at the academy, he can start being my assistant at the same timebecause he is doing his coaching badges or he can start in a different role. … It’s not the end of Frank Lampard’s career in Chelsea. It’s just a little break. He is one of the most importantplayers in the history of the club.”
Mourinho went on to say that he expects Lampard to call time on his international career following this summer’s World Cup.