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Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has provided a classy response to Micah Richards, after the former Manchester City defender apologised for a 17-year-old incident.
In 2007, the Cityzens flailed, as they were trounced 6-0 by an unstoppable Blues side. Lampard didn't get on the scoresheet on the day but played impressively, providing the assist for Didier Drogba's goal.
That didn't sit too well with Micah Richards, who was already angry about the Chelsea legend apparently snubbing him in the tunnel before the game. The scoreline only exacerbated things for the Man City defender, who couldn't do enough to resist the Blues' onslaught.
Richards was so angry afterwards that he apparently promised to deal with Frank Lampard when they met on the pitch. Although it happened in 2007, the incident came up as the duo discussed the FA Cup semifinal tie between Manchester City and Chelsea.
Richards offered an apology, telling Lampard (via The Sun):
“It was 6-0. I was at fault for probably five of the goals. I’d like to apologise, live on air.”
However, Lampard responded:
“You haven’t got to apologise. I was probably in the zone.”
How Frank Lampard's managerial career at Chelsea came to an unceremonial ending
During the winter of 2021, Frank Lampard was sacked by the Chelsea board. The legend-turned-manager was unable to improve results, as the Blues were sitting in ninth place in the Premier League.
After a stint at Derby County, where he had a win percentage of 42.1%, he returned to Stamford Bridge for a stint in the dugout. However, he took charge of 84 games before his sacking.
Former owner Roman Abramovich made the decision to fire the manager at the time. He explained his reasons for doing so, telling the press (via Yahoo):
"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. However, under current circumstances, we believe it is best to change managers."
Lampard returned to the club during the Todd Boehly administration as a caretaker manager. However, it was a much worse period for the legendary midfielder, as he managed only one win in 11 games across competitions.
