Swansea boss reveals last ditch attempt to sign retired midfielder

Lampard on Thursday, January 2 announced his retirement from football after a successful career in which he played over 1, 019 times and scored 302 goals for club and country.

After the announcement, Paul Clement who worked with Lampard when he was Chelsea’s assistant manager revealed he tried to sign the former midfielder for Swansea.

“We had a chat. I think he appreciated that I called him because of our relationship,” Clement said.

“I am not saying it got close in any way, but we had a conversation. It did not go very far, but it would have been nice. It would have been good.

“His ability as a player we all know about. But he is also a very good leader and character and a fantastic professional.”

At the age of 17, Lampard was sent out on loan to Swansea in October 1995 where he made 11 appearances and scored one goal.

According to Clement, Lampard said he enjoyed his stay at the club during that loan stint where they were in the third tier of English football.

“I spoke to him about his time here,” Clement said.

“It was a long time ago now when he was at West Ham. But he spoke really fondly of the club and the people who were here.

“It was part of his education on to going on and having such a great career.”