The former West Ham talent announced on Friday he is hanging up his boots.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has offered an open invitation to newly-retired Frank Lampard, saying that the former star is “always welcome” at the London Stadium, as reported by the London Evening Standard.
Lampard announced his retirement from playing professional football on Friday at the age of 38 after leaving MLS side New York City at the end of last year.
That brings to an end a remarkable 21-year career in which the midfielder made 913 competitive club appearances, as well as winning 106 caps for England.
Danny Murphy gives seal of approval on West Ham’s signing of Robert Snodgrass
It was right at the start of that venerable career that Lampard graced the Upton Park pitch, scoring 39 goals in 187 games for the club before leaving for London rivals Chelsea in 2001 at the age of just 22.
During his time at the Irons, Lampard played alongside current boss Bilic for 18 months, though he was a precocious young talent while the Croatian was headign towards his 30s.
Now, following the announcement of Lampard’s retirement, Bilic has extended a warm open offer to his former teammate, insisting that he is welcome back at the London Stadium at any time.
Bilci said, via the Standard: “Frank is always very welcome in our club and I am sure he will be like he was in his football career and will be serious in his managerial career. People talk about legends and it is a common word, but he is one of the ambassadors. One of the legends of the Premier League.
“He stayed with his feet on the ground and he’s a top gentleman, a top player, a top….basically everything. He didn’t rely only on his talent. I remember him staying after every session, not once, twice or three times a week, but after every session to have shooting practice or do little doggies to try to improve his sharpness.
“He is the biggest and greatest example to young players to show what they have to do to be in position to achieve something in football.”
That is certainly an intriguing prospect. It seems likely that Lampard may well move into coaching now that he has hung up his boots, and West Ham would be a fairly logical place to start – behind only Chelsea, perhaps.
However, Lampard’s departure from Upton Park 16 years ago still rankles with some Hammers fans, and any serious talk of his return could be a divisive issue amongst the club’s support.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
