Frank Lampard has delivered his final goodbyes to Chelsea supporters in the matchday programme for his final game as interim manager.
The 44-year-old will leave Chelsea after their final match of the season at home to Newcastle on Sunday.
Mauricio Pochettino has signed a contract to take over following the match and could be announced as the new Blues head coach early next week.
In his programme notes, Lampard explained his decision to come back to Chelsea and thanked the club’s owners and supporters.
“It was an easy decision for me to make when the opportunity arose to come back to Stamford Bridge,” Lampard wrote.
“It was a difficult time for everyone here, and when I have the chance to try and help, I was immediately prepared to do so, given my feeling and affection for the club.
“It was about trying to make any positive impact that I could and it has obviously remained a tough period. I have a big understanding of this club because I played here and managed here before, so I knew the standards that we needed to get the success that we’ve had over many years.
“My feeling was that it would be a benefit if I could get that across to some of the players - whether we’d see it immediately or not - and help them to understand what’s demanded here.
“That’s how I saw my role here and hopefully I can leave it in a position where I have helped to push it towards those standards that we all want to see here going forward.”
Adding about his goodbyes: “It was tough to leave as manager during the pandemic. So, even after this short period at the club, it will be nice to have the opportunity to say goodbye properly, in front of you, and say thank you for all the support. It is a big deal for me.
“I want to thank the owners for the opportunity, as well as my staff - who are all Chelsea people and have come back to try to help the club during this period - and also the wider staff for their hard work alongside us. I wish everybody at the club success going forward.”
