Frank Lampard has thanked the Chelsea fans for their support after his second reign as manager came to an end with a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Chelsea concluded a disappointing Premier League season with a home draw against Newcastle, a result which confirmed the west Londoners’ lowest league finish since 1993/94.
Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring for the visitors, but Kieran Trippier’s own goal earned Chelsea a point at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard will leave Chelsea after being placed in interim charge until the end of the season and thanked the club’s fans for their support during a difficult period. The 44-year-old also expressed his delight after former side Everton secured Premier League survival by beating Bournemouth.
“I think [we should have won],” Lampard said to BBC’s MOTD on the club’s final day result.
”We played like a Chelsea team should at home; more threat, more confident than we’ve been and we created chance. They did too but they are a good team; nothing to play for gave them freedom. You have to be careful not to get into a transitional game with Newcastle because they are a running team.
“It was nice [to say goodbye to the fans], I really appreciate them. Chelsea fans understand the tough position we were in when I came here. Although we haven’t got the results we want this season, it is what it is. I’m not too nostalgic, I’ve got a great bond with the club and I’ll be back many times.
“I’m really happy for Everton. I know there are people who care of that club; fair play, it is a huge football club and deserves to be in the Premier League.
“I’ll have a break, it has been quite intense. I wasn’t in that mode, I had to get in the mode. I’ve given it my all, we’ll see what happens.”
