Roman Abramovich states that the decision to sack Frank Lampard was “a very difficult decision for the Club.”

The west London club’s owner bankrolled a massive overhaul of the Blues during the summer, spending about £220m to show his support for Lampard.

But Abramovich, who is not shy in sacking a manager, eventually made the big call to fire the club legend as a poor run of form.

Roman Abramovich said: “This was a very difficult decision for the Club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him.

“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, the Board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as Head Coach and wish him every success in the future.

“He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”