Chelsea have released a statement explaining their decision to sack Frank Lampard.

Lampard leaves Chelsea as their worst Premier League boss since Roman Abramovich bought the club, according to the statistics.

His points-per-game (PPG) record of 1.67 was just behind that of Andre Villas-Boas at the bottom of the pile before his dismissal as Blues boss on Monday.

It read: “This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the Board have taken lightly.

“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as Head Coach of the Club.

“However, recent results and performances have not met the Club’s expectations, leaving the Club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement.

“There can never be a good time to part ways with a club legend such as Frank, but after lengthy deliberation and consideration it was decided a change is needed now to give the Club time to improve performances and results this season.”