Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was left “desperately disappointed” by Frank Lampard’s decision to join Manchester City in 2014, report the Daily Star.
The tabloid cite ‘Jose Mourinho: Up Close and Personal’, a book by journalist Rob Beasley. He wrote: “Frank Lampard’s defection to Manchester City in the summer of 2014 infuriated the hierarchy at Chelsea and left Mourinho desperately disappointed.”
The Daily Star note that Lampard left the Blues after the club’s policy on contracts for players over 30 left both parties unable to come to an agreement. It ended his fruitful 13 year career at Stamford Bridge.
The former England international initially signed for MLS side New York City FC, but joined Manchester City on loan to maintain his fitness. During his spell at the Etihad he famously scored against Chelsea, a goal that denied his former side a win.
Mourinho will no doubt have been furious, seeing a player that he reportedly wanted to keep at the club score against him. The fact his side went on to win the Premier League title may have been some consolation, however.
Lampard has been enjoying his time in New York, scoring 12 goals in 18 MLS appearances this campaign. Perhaps his goal-scoring prowess could have saved Mourinho’s job if he was allowed to continue at Chelsea.