Frank Lampard Coy on Rumours He Will Replace Michael Emenalo at Chelsea

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has said he's yet to make a decision on his next role amid rumours he's being lined up as the Blues' technical director.

Michael Emenalo departed the position on Monday having occupied it for 10 years, leaving the Premier League champions on the hunt for a replacement. When asked about the position, Lampard was coy, though he did praise the work done by the Nigerian in his spell at Stamford Bridge.

"I worked with Michael for seven or eight years and his role at the club coincided with the most successful period in Chelsea's history so I think he deserves a lot of credit from that," he said, per Calum Wilson of Sky Sports. "… In terms of myself, I don't know. I'm a Chelsea person, I'd love to be involved with the club long-term in some way. We'll see."

Lampard is one of the greatest players to ever don the all-blue strip, having shone for the club in his 13-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

With the Blues he won the UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles and the FA Cup on four occasions. Lampard is also the club's all-time record goalscorer and was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world at his peak.

ADRIAN DENNIS/Getty Images

After leaving Chelsea, he had spells with Manchester City and New York City FC before confirming his retirement from the game earlier this year.

For Chelsea, having someone of Lampard's esteem and experience at the football club would only be to their benefit. 

If he was to step in, he'd be working alongside manager Antonio Conte, and it's clear the former England international believes the Italian is the right man for the Blues:

Following on from Emenalo would be tough for anyone, though, especially for a figure who has no experience in this type of role.

As noted by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Emenalo's decision to move on caught Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich by surprise and is considered a "major blow".

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

According to Simon Stone of BBC Sport, both Abramovich and Conte were keen for the former sporting director to remain at the club:

It appears as though Lampard is ready to step back into football following his retirement and some recent punditry work. He added it's an ambition to manage Chelsea in the future.

"Of course, having been in Chelsea for so long, that would be the club, that would be my dream, but that's not an easy path," he added. "I've worked with many managers so I'd like to think that I could take the good and the bad from all the managers I've had and find my own way."

Lampard has shown he has a sharp football mind and proved on the pitch on many occasions that a winning mentality pulses within him. Whether it be as a sporting director, coach or manager, there will surely be a way in which the Blues can utilise his range of attributes.