Frank Lampard wasn't allowed to say goodbyes in person after being sacked by Chelsea today.
The Blues legend and record goalscorer was relieved of his duties following a poor run of results that left the club ninth in the Premier League table.
Lampard's final game in charge was a 3-1 FA Cup fourth round win over Luton Town on Sunday and Chelsea fans unveiled a banner supporting the 42-year-old.
A day later and Lampard was given the boot. What's more, as per a report from Sky Sports' Gary Cotterill, he was not even allowed to go to the club's Cobham training ground to say his goodbyes to players and staff today.
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The news angered plenty of Blues fan who hold him in such high esteem for what he achieved as a player.
Confirmation of Lampard's sacking came after intense speculation surrounding his future. Chelsea put out an official statement that featured some words from owner Roman Abramovich, who believes Lampard's status in West London remains "undiminished."
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Abramovich said: "This was a very difficult decision for the Club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him.
"He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.
"On behalf of everyone at the Club, the Board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as Head Coach and wish him every success in the future.
"He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge."
In his first season at the club following his first managerial stint at Derby County, Lampard led Chelsea to a fourth-placed finish and the FA Cup final despite having to contend with a transfer ban.
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He helped blood in a host of young players such as Mason Mount, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Billy Gilmour.
However, Lampard now has the worst points-per-match record of all the Chelsea managers to have worked under Abramovich.
The former England international managed 57 Premier League matches and only secured on average 1.67 points.
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He is expected to be replaced by former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel.
Featured Image Credit: PA
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