The football world was stunned when Chelsea legend Frank Lampard revealed the reason behind his departure from the club in 2014. In a surprising twist, it wasn't just a strategic decision but a bitter feud with a former Arsenal star that sealed his fate. But here's where it gets intriguing... Lampard's exit paved the way for Cesc Fabregas, a midfield maestro with a history of clashes with Lampard on the pitch.
'We disliked each other'
The rivalry between Lampard and Fabregas is a tale as old as time in English football. As Chelsea and Arsenal's midfield generals, their encounters were fiery and intense. And this feud wasn't just limited to the pitch; it extended to the dressing room and beyond.
During his time at Chelsea, Lampard achieved legendary status, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League. He became the club's all-time top goalscorer, a feat unheard of for a midfielder, with an astonishing 211 goals in 648 appearances. But as the 2013/14 season drew to a close, Chelsea made the shocking decision to release Lampard, alongside other veterans.
Enter Fabregas, the Spaniard with a reputation for creativity and vision. Chelsea swiftly signed him, and he delivered on his promise, winning the Premier League in his first season. But the question remains: Could Lampard and Fabregas have coexisted in the same team?
In a revealing interview, Lampard confirmed that his departure was to make way for Fabregas. He stated, "We never played together! They let me go to get Cesc in." The tension between the two was palpable, as Lampard added, "Me and Cesc never really got on well on the pitch."
The On-Pitch Rivalry
The 2007 League Cup final and the 2012 Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona showcased the animosity between the two. In both matches, Lampard and Fabregas clashed, with the latter recalling, "We have had many battles... We disliked each other on the football pitch." Fabregas admitted his youthful enthusiasm sometimes got the better of him, leading to heated moments.
Despite their rivalry, fate brought them together at the 2018 World Cup, where they worked for the BBC. Fabregas shared, "We went to the gym together... We were having lunch together." It seemed their off-pitch relationship had thawed, and they could put their differences aside.
Where Are They Now?
Post-retirement, both legends turned to coaching. Lampard took the reins at Derby County, narrowly missing promotion to the Premier League. He then returned to Chelsea as head coach but was dismissed after a poor run of form. After a brief stint at Everton, he's now at Coventry City, leading them to the top of the Championship.
Fabregas, meanwhile, began his managerial career at Como in Italy, where he had played towards the end of his career. He's now the permanent head coach, guiding the team to a promising start in Serie A.
The story of Lampard and Fabregas is a testament to the fine line between rivalry and respect in football. It raises the question: Can fierce competitors put aside their differences and find common ground? What do you think? Is there a place for both respect and rivalry in the beautiful game?
