Fired By Chelsea, Frank Lampard Confided In Instagram

JAKARTA - Frank Lampard finally opened his voice after his dismissal from Chelsea. He admitted that he was disappointed because he was not given the opportunity to bring the Blues forward.

"I am disappointed not to have the time this season to take the club forward and take it to the next level," the 42-year-old former England midfielder wrote on his Instagram account.

Lampard was sacked by Chelsea on Monday, 18 months after being appointed as coach following the club's decision to part ways with Maurizio Sarri.

Despite his status as the club's top scorer, Lampard is not immune to Roman Abramovich's "sack" style.

Chelsea topped the Premier League standings earlier this season, but poor form saw them slump to ninth and led to Lampard's sacking.

Abramovich issued a rare statement after kicking Lampard, saying he had a "very good personal relationship" with his former club coach.

The Russian billionaire also said that Lampard "will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge."

Lampard himself finally issued a statement on his Instagram account on Monday night regarding his dismissal.

"It is a great privilege and great honor to coach Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long," wrote Lampard as quoted by Antara on Tuesday.

“First, I want to thank the fans for the incredible support I have received over the past 18 months. I hope they know what that means to me. "

When Lampard was appointed, Chelsea were given a transfer ban and their flagship player Eden Hazard left to Real Madrid.

"When I took on this role, I understood the challenges that lie ahead in difficult times for this football club," he added.

“I'm proud of the achievements we've made, and I'm proud of the Academy players who have stepped into the first team and performed well. They are the future of the club. "

"I want to thank Abramovich, my board of directors, 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 club and team success in the future."

Chelsea are reportedly ready to appoint former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel ready to replace Lampard.

Tuchel is expected to be named this week, with his first game likely against Wolves in the English Premier League on Thursday.