Roberto Di Matteo has thanked Chelsea fans for chanting his name ever since he was replaced as manager by Rafael Benitez.

Di Matteo has spoken for the first time since being controversially sacked in November by owner Roman Abramovich, just six months after winning the Champions League and FA Cup.

Supporters are still furious about Abramovich’s treatment of the Italian, who also made a big impact at Stamford Bridge during his spell as a player there between 1996-2002, and are incensed former Liverpool coach Benitez was given the post instead.

They have publicly demonstrated against what took place by singing Di Matteo’s name regularly at every match and especially in the 16 minute, which represents the shirt number he wore during his playing career at the club.

Di Matteo admits the show of support has helped him recover from what was a devastating blow, especially coming so soon after his double trophy success.

Speaking of his time in charge, he said: “It was an incredibly emotional experience and a very difficult achievement.

“I had three fantastic months on the Chelsea bench (at the end of last season), but also tough, as we worked up to 18 hours a day to achieve our results.

“I was pleased to hear the fans cheer my name after I left. It was love at first sight with the supporters the moment I arrived in London and I am sure that love will continue over the years.”

The decision to sack him has backfired badly as Chelsea have struggled under Benitez having lost the Fifa Club World Cup Final to Corinthians and were beaten by Swansea in the Capital One Cup semi-final.

They have also seen their title challenge fade as they now trail leaders Manchester United by 11 points after being just four behind Manchester City when Di Matteo was axed.

The 42-year-old has been linked with a number of jobs since he was fired, including former club Lazio, but appears to be no closer to a return to management.

He added: “Have I had any contact with Italian clubs? I prefer not to talk about this, as I have a great deal of respect for the current coaches. In any case, I won’t hide that I am very happy with what Lazio are doing in Serie A.”

Di Matteo has also revealed he has been in regular contact with Frank Lampard and has told him to turn down a move to LA Galazy to join Lazio instead.

Lampard is being released by Chelsea at the end of the season when his contract expires and LA Galaxy are confident they will succeed with the offer of a £4m-a-year contract to move to the MLS.

The England midfielder, who turns 35 in the summer, is still prepared to listen to other clubs, especially as he wants to prolong his international career as long as possible.

Di Matteo claims he has spoken to Lampard about his future and advised him to move to Lazio if they follow up their interest with a firm bid.

He told Sky Sport Italia: “It would certainly be a good choice for both parties. I’ve given him my opinion.

“Lampard is a great player and a great professional, so I am certain he can play at least another two years at the top level.

“I don’t know if he will join Lazio or not, but it would certainly be a good choice for both parties. We often talk and I gave him my opinion. At the end of the day he will make the decision.”

Meanwhile, the Football Association are expected to confirm today that Eden Hazard will not face any further punishment for his clash with a Swansea ball-boy.

Hazard was shown a red card by referee Chris Foy after he appeared to kick Charlie Morgan as he attempted to get the ball free from under the 17-year-old’s body.

The FA have studied the TV footage and are prepared to accept his version of accounts that he was just trying to kick the ball, but he will still serve an automatic three-match ban.

That means he will miss the FA Cup fourth Round tie at Brentford on Sunday, as will David Luiz, who suffered a calf injury against Swansea and is facing a few weeks on the sidelines.