Chelsea confirm Frank Lampard as manager

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Frank Lampard as manager replacing the vacant role after Maurizio Sarri joined Juventus in May.

Lampard returns to the club where he became a legend as a player on a three-year deal.

“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,” the former midfielder said.

Lampard will now lead Chelsea into seven pre-season matches in Dublin, Japan, Germany and Austria before opening the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 11.

The 41-year-old embarked on his first campaign as a manager last season, leading Derby County to the Championship play-off final where they lost to Aston Villa.

The Chelsea legend made 648 appearances for the west London club winning 11 major trophies in 13 years.