John Terry: Frank Lampard is Chelsea's best ever... but it's not right seeing him in a Manchester City shirt
Chelsea skipper says Lampard's legacy will not be damaged
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Chelsea captain John Terry says Frank Lampard's legacy will not be tarnished because of his move to Manchester City - although he admitted it will be hard seeing Lampard in sky blue.
Earlier this week Lampard sealed a six-month loan move to Chelsea's Premier League title rivals, in a bid to keep fit before moving to New York City FC next March.
Lampard left Chelsea at the end of last season after 13 trophy-laden years in which he made 648 appearances, the third most in club history, and 211 goals, a club record.
One-club man Terry also saw long-serving left-back Ashley Cole leave Stamford Bridge, joining Serie A side Roma.
"It just doesn’t seem right to see them in different shirts. Maybe over time that will ease but it doesn’t seem right," Terry told Chelsea TV.
“We have grown up together and won and lost together at Chelsea. We have done many great things and it was sad to see them go.”
Lampard’s move to City was a surprise after he originally declared he would never play for another Premier League club.
But Terry is adamant he will always be regarded as the London club’s greatest player and told Chelsea TV: “To me there is no doubt [he’s the best]. Before that there was Gianfranco Zola but Lampard has been an absolute legend here and his legacy will remain ever.
“It’s a legacy for the younger boys to come and try and fill those big boots and replicate what he’s done. That will be very tough for someone but he’s an absolute hero for the fans, with the players as well and how he pushed us individually and collectively.
“He has been an idol and someone I inspired to be like in training. Around the place he was a great character but footballing wise I have never come across someone who works as hard as he does to improve his game.”
Chelsea have compensated for the loss of two experienced players by re-signing Didier Drogba, who scored 157 times between 2004-12 and hit the decisive penalty in a shoot-out to claim the Champions League two years ago.
Drogba is now 36 but Terry does not think he is past his best.
“He’s still the same, a nightmare to play against in training, still physically strong, sharp and hungry as well. It’s important Didier is here because he brings that mentality of wanting to win every day and that rubs off on people like Kurt Zouma and the other young players he’s playing against.”
Manager Jose Mourinho has also spent £75million on Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis, while Zouma and keeper Thibaut Courtois have joined up for the first time after being on loan at Saint Etienne and Atletico Madrid respectively.
The Chelsea captain, who has helped the club win 11 major trophies in as many years, believes the club are heading for a new era of success.
“It’s great,” he said. “The club are evolving. One day we’ll all be gone. It’s time for these players to continue to keep winning trophies for this club and keep the fans and owner happy.
“If I was a Chelsea fan I’d be impressed from what I have seen so far from Diego, Cesc, Filipe and all the boys that have come in like Kurt as well.
“Some of the World Cup players have only been back around 10 days and are still nowhere near their full fitness.
“Even the rest of us who have been back from the start, it takes three or four games to find your feet.”
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