Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard recently revealed in an interview his strong desire to bring West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge during his tenure, News About Nigeria gathered.
Lampard, renowned for his keen eye for talent, expressed his admiration for Rice and saw him as the future captain of the West London club.
During an exclusive conversation with Steven Bartlett, Lampard shared his thoughts on Rice, stating, “I wanted to bring Declan Rice to Chelsea when I was there as a coach before; he was my top target.”
Having had a successful playing career at Chelsea, Lampard possesses a deep understanding of the club’s values and the significance of nurturing young talent, despite not fully utilizing them during his last stint as manager.
Recognizing Rice’s potential, Lampard envisioned a long and prosperous future for the midfielder at Stamford Bridge. “I was like… this kid, Declan, is going to be the captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years,” Lampard passionately exclaimed during the interview.
During Lampard’s pursuit, Rice was establishing himself as a crucial figure in West Ham United’s midfield, showcasing exceptional defensive abilities and an impressive range of passing that caught Lampard’s attention.
Impressed by the midfielder’s leadership qualities and technical prowess, Lampard had plans to bring Rice to Chelsea. However, the club failed to secure the player’s services, and Lampard’s aspirations remained unfulfilled.
Nevertheless, Lampard’s revelation about his admiration for Rice underscores the potential impact the midfielder could have had on the Blues’ squad.
Since Lampard’s departure from Chelsea, Rice has continued to excel at West Ham United and has become an integral part of their midfield setup. The 22-year-old’s consistent performances have earned him praise from fans and experts alike, solidifying his reputation as one of England’s most promising talents.
