Frank Lampard was finally unveiled as new Chelsea manager on Thursday.
Lampard, considered royalty by Chelsea fans as a legendary midfielder during 13 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge, was handed a three-year contract having left second-tier Derby to replace Maurizio Sarri.
During his heyday, Lampard scored a record 211 goals for the Blues.
'He belongs to the Blues.' 💙
Put your sound 🔛 for this! #WelcomeHomeFrank pic.twitter.com/sM6siU6hrf
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2019
Of his appointment, he says, “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.”
Lampard will kick off his Premier League coaching career with an opening-round clash against Manchester United.
A relative rookie as a manager, the 41-year-old Lampard earned plaudits for taking Derby into the Championship playoff final in his first year in the dugout, even if they just missed out on promotion to Aston Villa.
STAR EXIT: Ace Eden Hazard left for Real. Photo: Sergio Perez/Reuters.
He faces no small task in returning Chelsea to the status of Premier League title contenders following Sarri’s exit to Juventus and Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid.
His rebuilding efforts will also be hampered by a Fifa transfer ban.
Look at these two! 😍 #WelcomeHomeFrank pic.twitter.com/jA4JwCL20O
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2019
Lampard’s former Chelsea teammate Petr Cech joined the club as a technical and performance advisor last month and the pair will play a key role in the overhaul of the playing squad.