Mother of Chelsea's Frank Lampard Passes!

In the midst of all the excitement of the Champions League semifinals, some seriously distressing news has emerged—Chelsea's Frank Lampard's mother has passed away after battling pneumonia.

Chelsea issued a tribute to Lampard's mother, Pat, this afternoon that read: “Everybody at Chelsea Football Club is absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Pat Lampard, Frank’s mother." 

“Our sincerest and deepest condolences go out to Frank, his father Frank Sr., sisters Natalie and Claire and to their immediate family and friends."

“Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea FC. Her unswerving support for her son’s career was evident at virtually every game that Frank participated in regardless of where it was being played, she would always be there to watch him with Frank’s dad.”

A few hours earlier Frank Lampard had said that he felt confident enough to leave her side to go and play in Chelsea's Champions League semifinal encounter with Liverpool. News was that her health had improved greatly before it suddenly went downhill.

"It’s brightened up in the last few days and without that I wouldn’t have played at Anfield. I trained on Sunday, but it’s been a very difficult week.” Lampard said.

Essex-born Pat, married to former West Ham star Frank Lampard Sr., has been a huge inspiration to her son.

Pat has said: “The pride I feel as Frank’s mum means more to me than any football success—pride that he’s a decent human being.”

After the 1-1 draw at Anfield, Frank said: “She would have a right go at me for not playing this game.”

Whether Lampard was hated or loved, a good player or bad, we all must feel for the guy.

These were some of the comments I found on Teamtalk's 'your say' page:

West Ham fan: "I'm a West Ham fan and I've always had a problem with Lamps and the way he left us. But he's still an East End boy and I wish to express my deepest sympathies for his loss".

Manchester United fan: " Quite sad indeed. Hope Frank will be strong to bear this terrible loss. Our hearts are with your family".

Now, I find it really heart-warming when a nation full of rivalry and football hatred can come together and stand as ONE when things like this happen...

Please leave your comments and well wishes to Frank Lampard and imagine how he must be feeling at this point.