Frank Lampard defends Chelsea’s decision to let go of West Ham star at an early stage of his career

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes the London club have nothing to regret about their decision of letting West Ham star, Declan Rice leave as a teenager

With the January transfer window looming in the faces of all teams, Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Rice, a player who started his career at the club.

The Hammers defensive midfielder featured in all 38 of West Ham’s league games last season and has been linked in the British media with a move back to Chelsea in a possible £70million transfer deal next month.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s league clash against West Ham, Lampard said Rice deserves “personal credit” for his impressive breakthrough at the London Stadium.

According to Frank Lampard, Declan Rice is a fantastic player for West Ham and England because his journey there after leaving Chelsea and going to West Ham is a good story to hear.

Contrary to some opinions that Chelsea should have stick to him in the past, Lampard noted that he certainly wouldn’t use the word ‘regret’ as Chelsea academy is one of the best in the world.

“When the current first team is being looked at with the players that we have produced who are in and around that squad. It’s not easy. It’s not an exact science to pick players but the academy staff do brilliantly here,” he said.

All eyes will surely be on Declan Rice when both team meet on Monday as he has become one of the most important player in West Ham United.