Frank Lampard has revealed to talkSPORT that he is ready to return to management after turning jobs down.
Lampard has not been in a job since his interim stint in charge of Chelsea towards the end of last season where he won just one game in 11.
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Since then, the former England international has been linked with several jobs including Canada, Rangers and most recently Burnley.
But he is yet to take up another post in management, which would already be his fifth, having started out at Derby County in 2018.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT ahead of Soccer Aid on Sunday, Lampard said: “Some opportunities have come my way, they didn’t feel right for the time. So I’ve kind of taken that decision a bit at times.
“But now I feel ready so we will see what opportunities come up. I’m certainly ready to work. I love doing what I do, so we will see.”
As well as Derby and his interim stint at Chelsea, Lampard took full charge of the Blues in 2019 and lasted 18 months before getting the sack with a win percentage of 52 per cent from 84 games.
The Chelsea legend, who is the club’s all-time highest goalscorer, then went to Everton nearly a year later in January 2022 before being axed 12 months after.
Where Lampard could end up next remains to be seen, though the position at Burnley where he has been linked is still vacant.
Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker have also been reportedly looked at by the Clarets, though Lampard has admitted to enjoying his time away from the game.
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The 45-year-old said: “I’d like to find the right opportunity. I mean, I’ve enjoyed the break in a sense because football management takes over your life.
“That is the beauty of it and also sometimes you realise when you’re out if it, it is about spending time with your family.
“I have got a young family, too, that is important. So that has been nice.”
Lampard was asked directly by Sam Matterface live on talkSPORT on Friday morning about links with the Burnley job, to which the legendary football star did not deny there were links.
“I’ve been linked with different jobs and to be fair, I’ve enjoyed having a year out. It has been good for me,” he said live on air.
“You want to be working but in terms of family life outside. I’ve got four children and two of them are young.
“It has been great to be around them. So some of the decisions I’ve taken have been my own to stay and spend time with my family.
“Sometimes, being out of the game gives you time to reflect. Maybe, become a bit better, you are watching a lot of games and you are always trying to develop.
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“I am ready to work. When it feels the right opportunity comes, whether its my end or someone wants to give me that opportunity, I think I am pretty well-versed to understand what that is.
“Because I have had difficult jobs. When I went into Derby, we had FFP problems, we managed to give to a play-off final. All great experiences.
“At Chelsea, I went in with a transfer ban, at Everton, obviously the issues there. So I have taken on challenges.
“So probably now is the right time to find the right challenges with the right job, the right support and expectations around it.”
Lampard’s immediate return to the dugout will come at Stamford Bridge for a third time, though on this occasion it will be for Soccer Aid.
The former midfielder will join Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams in the dugout as the England XI take on the World XI.
It will also see Mauricio Pochettino return to Chelsea as manager, his first public appearance since leaving the club last month.