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Frank Lampard Reveals He Turned Down Premier League Return In January

Frank Lampard Reveals He Turned Down Premier League Return In January

The retired midfielder had the opportunity to continue playing.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Frank Lampard was the guest on Sky Sports' 'Goals On Sunday' show yesterday alongside Chris Kamara and Ben Shepherd.

The retired midfielder helped analyse Saturday's action and also gave his thoughts on a number of football topics during his appearance on the show.

In addition to that, Chelsea's record goalscorer participated in a Q&A whereby fans could submit questions to the ex England midfielder.

One of the questions that popped up was whether Eden Hazard was the best player he has ever played with.

Watch Lampard's response in the following clip:

And the former New York City man was also asked about offers to continue his playing career in January.

Lampard was linked with Swansea City in January and confirmed that Paul Clement, formerly Chelsea's assistant when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge, wanted to bring him to the club he had a short spell on loan at.

Image: PA

Speaking about having the chance to come back to the Premier League in a playing capacity, he said:

"Clem at Swansea asked me to go and be involved there.

"And I have so much respect for him that that made me really think: 'Could I get involved and maybe help there?'

"I had a link there, which was a nice thing, Clem sold it brilliantly to me and it was one of those. But again, having played at the top level and been fortunate to have played with Chelsea for so long, and Man City at the end, you are talking about top clubs that were fighting at the top.mpa

"And no disrespect, but it was not the right battle at that point in my career as I would have wanted to have gone there and given my all and tried to help.

"This was in January, so I would have had to get fit again, have a mini pre-season and at 38 years of age slugging it out at the bottom of the Premier League in reality.

"I wish Clem very well, but it just was not the right option for me."

Image: PA

Lampard also talked about interest from some of the world's leading clubs back in his prime years but says he doesn't regret his decision to remain at Chelsea, where he won three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, two League Cups, one Europa League and one Champions League.

"There were times earlier in my career when they did, but I do not look back and regret not going, but it was certainly of interest.

"Back in the day, the big Spanish clubs were involved - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan under Jose [Mourinho]. It was never: 'I'm ready to sign now,' but there were rumours and some talks behind the scenes.

"But I am very happy I did not take them up on any of them as when I look back on my career, particularly the Chelsea part of it, I would have missed so much.

"I am very happy to have come away with that in my pocket and say that I have a real allegiance and feeling for one club in particular and did a lot there.

"You can't buy that and once you have that, you can never lose it and it stays with you and Chelsea is the club that always feels very close to me for now."

Image: PA

(h/t Sky Sports)

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics:ย Frank Lampard, Swansea City, Chelsea, Premier League