Lampard says Chelsea do not regret letting this £70million-rated star leave the academy

Frank Lampard says that there is no regrets over letting Declan Rice leave Chelsea

Speaking ahead of their match against West Ham United (h/t Daily Mail), Frank Lampard gave his views on Declan Rice leaving Chelsea as a teenager amidst transfer rumours linking the player with a return to Stamford Bridge in January for £70m.

West Ham United’s Declan Rice left Chelsea’s youth academy as a 14-year-old. He was later snapped up by The Hammers’ academy in the summer of 2015.

Despite being linked with a big-money move for the ex-Chelsea youngster in the upcoming transfer window, Frank Lampard said that there are no regrets over letting him leave the club.

“It shows a strength of character. Wouldn’t say it’s a regret.”

Instead of seeing it as a regretful situation, the English manager says that Rice deserves “personal credit” for the way his career has progressed since leaving the Blues academy.

“Our academy is one of the best in the world and it’s not easy because it’s not an exact science. Declan deserves personal credit for the start he has had at West Ham.”

The 21-year-old was linked with a move to Chelsea this summer but ended up staying at the London Stadium. He has played in all 13 of West Ham’s league games this term and is a major reason behind their marvellous start to the season.

Chelsea now face Declan Rice’s West Ham United on Monday. Frank Lampard is also familiar with the club, having spent 7 years with the Hammers before signing as a player for Chelsea in 2001.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea boss Frank Lampard refuses to give anything away regarding January transfers
• Thiago Silva keen to write his name into Chelsea history books
• Fikayo Tomori backed to join Rennes on a six-month loan in January

West Ham United sit 8th in the table, just a point behind Chelsea. The Blues, who were 3rd a fortnight ago, have fallen down to 7th in the table after consecutive league losses to Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

West Ham United, meanwhile, are on the back of an underwhelming draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. The Hammers did the double over Chelsea last season, winning home and away against Frank Lampard’s men.