John
Terry has paid an emotional tribute to Frank Lampard, who retired from
professional football on Thursday, calling him Chelsea's greatest ever
player.
Lampard played alongside Terry throughout his 13 years at Stamford Bridge,
becoming Chelsea's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals in 648 appearances
as the pair won every major club honour in football.
Terry has previously labelled Lampard as the best player he ever played with
when speaking on Soccer AM in December, but after Lampard called time on his
playing career at the age of 38, Terry has placed another accolade on the
former Blues midfielder.
"The GREATEST player in the history of our great football club," Terry wrote
on Instagram.
"All the great memories together winning trophy after trophy year after year
I will never forget. You have won everything and should be extremely proud.
"It's been my pleasure and honour to play and experience all those great
moments with you.
"A gentleman both on and off the pitch, leader in the dressing room and if I
could choose one person next to me in the trenches it would be you.
"A great dad to your two beautiful girls and I'm proud to call you my mate.
"Good luck for the future, whatever you choose to do will be a huge success.
Love ya Lampsy.
"LEGEND HERO INSPIRATION + THE BEST EVER."
Lampard joined Chelsea in 2001 and, alongside Terry, was part of a strong
core of players that enjoyed one of the most successful periods in the
club's history before his departure in 2014.
Terry has put Lampard's success down to his work ethic and admitted he longs
to have his old team-mate back alongside him.
"The best trainer by a million miles every single day, inspiring me and
everyone at the club," Terry added.
"I miss you next to me in the dressing room and miss you grabbing a bag of
balls after training when everyone went inside.
"You stayed out working on your finishing, 20 goals a year wasn't good
enough for you, every year you wanted 25, 30 goals.
"I love that about you. I will miss you getting four cones and doing sprints
after training - setting the example for the kids in the academy."
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