Frank Lampard comes up against his former side on Saturday for only the second time in his career and declares that the Swans will always have a special place in his heart
The Chelsea midfielder spent a couple of months on loan at the club in the 1990s as a 17 year old and he has maintained his look out for the club since that time.
“It will be a special game for me against Swansea. I will always have a small place in my heart for Swansea.” he told the Western Mail
“I had a couple of months at the club when I was 17 and driving down the M4 and playing at the old Vetch was a real eye-opener for me.
“I have always looked out for their results since then because you have that sense of attachment.
“And with Brendan (Rodgers) going there, the attachment has been even more so.
“Swansea are my second team in the Premier League, but they won’t be when they come to Stamford Bridge.
“I think they will probably be a lot of people’s second team this season as Blackpool were last year.
“They are trying to do it the right way and their fans are so happy to be in the Premier League. I’m sure they will not lose that idea.
“I’m sure a lot of people will be hoping they will do very well.
“It will be tough for Swansea to stay up,” said England midfielder Lampard. “But I’d like to think they can do so.
“I certainly think they have the capabilities to do it. They have a top manager and a team with a lot of energy and youthfulness.
“If they can perform at their best, there are enough teams in the league who they can definitely finish above.
“I do keep in touch with Brendan. I have been impressed with what he has done, but I’m not surprised in the slightest.
“From the minute he started at Chelsea, you could see there was something special about him.
“His attention to detail, the way he wanted to play the game and his character – he has a great personality. For me, the best managers are all about how they can deal with players and get the best out of players.
“What Brendan did at Swansea last year was nothing short of incredible.
“He will never lose his method and his way and his thoughts on playing the game.
“That is something everybody respects.
“He can go as far as he wants. He’s young, he’s educated and he can speak different languages.
“He’s a real professor of the game in the making. He’s also has a great character.
“For me, I hope he does very well at Swansea this year.
“In the long-term future, he can go anywhere he wants.”