Frank Lampard has revealed the part the Chelsea fans played in keeping him at Stamford Bridge.

Midfielder Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea, during which time he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. Former Chelsea managers Jose Mourinho tried to take Lampard to Inter Milan with him, while there were other opportunities to move abroad.

Lampard explained the part the Chelsea supporters played in his decision to turn down lucrative offers.

“The fans were certainly part of my decisions,” said Lampard. “At West Ham I had a difficult relationship with the fans for different reasons, but when I went to Chelsea I really felt that connection, really early.

“It’s not easy to come across London from a rival club and get that straight away, and I did. So certainly when I had opportunities to go and play abroad, the pull of the fans – it wasn’t number one in my thing, but it was right up there.

“You can’t put a price on that support, it’s a big deal. Generally, the rule is if the fans see you giving everything for their club then they will go with you.”