Frank Lampard insists there is ‘no regrets’ about Chelsea letting Declan Rice leave as a youngster

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says there are no regrets from the club about allowing Declan Rice to leave the club, as the Blues continue to be linked with a £70m transfer next month. 

The West Ham midfielder, who is now a regular starter in Gareth Southgate‘s England side, was released by the Blues at the age of 14 before being picked up by the Hammers. 

And ahead of the two sides meeting at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, Lampard praised Rice, saying he ‘deserves personal credit’ for his impressive first-team breakthrough, as Chelsea continue to be linked with a big-money move for the 21-year-old. 

Frank Lampard says there are no regrets from Chelsea about allowing Declan Rice to leave

Rice was released by Chelsea at the age of 14 but is now strongly linked with a £70m return

‘He’s a fantastic player for West Ham and England,’ Lampard said, in his pre-match press conference. 

‘Fair play. It’s a good story because lot of those stories. It shows a strength of character. Wouldn’t say it’s a regret. 

‘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.’

Chelsea were strongly linked with a summer move for Rice but he stayed in east London and has been a key influence in an excellent start to the season for David Moyes’ side. 

West Ham go into Monday’s clash just one point behind Chelsea – but Lampard admits his attitude towards his former club has ‘mellowed’ since he became a manager. 

West Ham did the double over Chelsea last season, winning 1-0 at the Bridge last November

Asked if it meant more to play the Hammers, he replied: ‘It did when I played but as a manager it doesn’t. 

‘Maybe I’ve mellowed but I focus on what’s necessary for the club. I see it as another game. 

‘An important one after two defeats in a row.’ 

More to follow…