Lampard: Nobody wants to lose their job

Frank Lampard has revealed he turned down "flattering opportunities" to return to management after being sacked by Chelsea but is "very keen" on finding another club, Report informs, Daily Mail.

The 42-year-old was speaking at a question-and-answer session to preview this month's London Football Awards, organized by the charity Willow Foundation, in his first public appearance since leaving the Blues in January.

Lampard has been linked with the England Under-21 job. Although sources have told ESPN, there is little prospect of the former midfielder taking up that role, and he admitted he is willing to consider another job soon after his wife Christine gave birth to his fourth child last month.

"I have [thought about returning to management], and I've had some opportunities that have come up in the last six week to two months which have been flattering and very friendly but were not the right thing.

"It was undoubtedly the time for me to take a step out, having been managing for two and a half years full pelt and having the family situation. The opportunities were not quite right, but I think about it, and it would be something I am very keen to do, at the right time, at the right place.

"As much as I am resting and recuperating and stepping away from the game, my eyes are always on it. Indeed, I'm always going over things that have happened in the past two and a half years, looking forward to things that may come. I'm always obviously watching football, trying to learn, trying to get better as we all do in this game. You never stop learning. I will find the right time and the right opportunity, and I am very keen to get working again.

"Perspective is an excellent word because the perspective that we all gained, that I gained last year in the first lockdown that came as such a shock to us all changed my life a little bit and my thinking because football is something that has consumed my life firstly as a player and then as a manager.

"That first lockdown [due to the coronavirus last March] was the first moment out of the game where I got time to do things I hadn't been doing, spending time with the family.

"Nobody wants to lose their job and come out of the game you love, but at the same time, I think, and I knew this very well, when you go into this career, this will happen, no matter how good you think you are or whatever circumstances you are in.

"It gives you a sense of perspective and what's important. It's come at a time when we were due a young son. It's given me a lot more time to be at home. You count your blessing on that front, and it's been great to be around the family."