Conte: Lampard wants to continue playing
Antonio Conte says that Frank Lampard's presence on Chelsea's Cobham training pitches doesn't mean he's ready to make the move into coaching, believing that the ex-England international wants to continue playing.
The 38-year-old midfielder let his contract at New York City FC expire at the end of the 2016 MLS season, but Chelsea's all-time top scorer isn't prepared to hang up his boots quite yet, according to the Blues manager.
"We didn't talk about this (a coaching move for Lampard). I think Frank wants to continue to play football," Conte told ESPN FC's Liam Twomey.
"I saw him in good form, in good shape, to continue to play football. Then, for his future, I think it's better to ask him."
The Romford native spent his formative years at West Ham United, where his father plied his trade as a full-back, but Claudio Ranieri signed the bright young midfielder for Chelsea in 2001. He went on to collect 11 major honours at Stamford Bridge and firmly installed himself as one of the greatest players in the club's history.
After a short sojourn with Manchester City in the 2014-15 season, Lampard moved Stateside.
Conte added: "He's a legend for this club and it's fantastic when he comes to see the training sessions, to talk with us. I found him in good form."
Chelsea hosts Eddie Howe's Bournemouth on Boxing Day.