Chelsea have announced that club legend Frank Lampard has signed a three-year deal to become their new head coach.
The club's all-time leading goalscorer will take over from Maurizio Sarri, who left for Juventus after winning the UEFA Europa League and securing a third-place Premier League finish in his only season at Stamford Bridge.
"I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach," Lampard told the club's official website. "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."
Lampard joins Chelsea from Derby County, with whom he started his managerial career last summer, taking them to the Championship playoff final.
Over to you, boss! #WelcomeHomeFrank pic.twitter.com/vPGpCUSsMX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2019
He spent 13 seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, four FA Cups and two EFL Cups.
In total he made 609 Premier League appearances, playing also for West Ham United and Manchester City, and scored 177 Premier League goals, the most by a midfielder.
The 41-year-old’s first Premier League match in charge of Chelsea is at Manchester United on Sunday 11 August.
Lampard has confirmed that Jody Morris and Chris Jones will also be returning from Derby to Chelsea as part of his coaching team.
Joe Edwards will move up from the development squad and Eddie Newton, currently the Blues' loan technical coach, will also become part of the coaching staff.
