No coaching role for Lampard until he retires

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed that he will only contemplate Frank Lampard returning to the club once he retires from playing.

The Stamford Bridge favourite recently announced that he would be leaving MLS side New York City, creating the possibility of a return to the Blues in a coaching role.

However, the Londoners want their former midfielder to confirm he has ended his playing days before deciding whether to bring him back to London.

‘Frank Lampard has been a great player. [He was] a fantastic player for Chelsea. He won a lot with this team. But now, for me, he’s still playing and for this reason I don’t know his future,’ said the Italian.

I repeat: he has been a fantastic player, a legend for this club. I have great respect for him. For me it’s very difficult to reply to the question when the question starts ‘if’. It’s important to know that.’

Lampard scored 211 goals for Chelsea over 13 seasons with the club, but the relationship was somewhat soured by his move to Manchester City after he departed.

However, with the wound now healed, it is likely that the ex-England international would be welcomed back with open arms should he decide he wants to go back.