Planet Swans ArchivesClement had worked with Lampard during his time at Chelsea and wanted to link back up with the midfielder at Swansea during the transfer window, clearly seeing him as someone who could fit into his midfield and add some experience.
But Lampard seemingly had already made his mind up on retirement and knocked back the chance to end his career in a similar way to which it started during his loan spell at the Vetch more than twenty years ago.
Clement said: “We had a chat. I think he appreciated that I called, because of our relationship. I’m not saying it got close, but we had a conversation.”
He added: “It did not go very far, but it would have been nice. It would have been good.
“His ability as a player we all know about but he is also a very good leader and character and a fantastic professional.
“But instead we got Tom Carroll – so I am very happy.”
Clement also revealed that Lampard was one of the people he consulted before taking the job at the Swans and that he got a glowing reference from the player
“I had spoken to him about here. He said he really enjoyed his time, it was a long time ago now when he was at West Ham,” Clement said.
“He spoke really fondly of the club and the people who were here. It was part of his education onto going on and having such a great career.”
<#cfc #mcfc>
