Lampard names one tough decision that shows he can make more

Frank Lampard expects to have to make “countless more” tough decisions at Chelsea like the choice to let David Luiz join Arsenal in the summer.

Brazil defender Luiz had only signed a new two-year Chelsea deal at the back-end of last term, but new Blues boss Lampard still allowed him to move to London rivals Arsenal.

The emergence of young England star Fikayo Tomori created a logjam at centre-back at Stamford Bridge, and Lampard opted to prioritise the 22-year-old’s progress.

Chelsea will face Luiz in Arsenal colours for the first time in Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, with Lampard insisting he retains great respect for his former Blues team-mate.

“There will always be decisions; if you look at our defenders and the emergence of Tomori, that’s obviously been a big plus for us,” said Lampard.

“It was just a decision that was made, and while I’m here I’ll be making countless more of those in different ways. So that’s what it is.

“And I certainly wish David well, when he left this club, where he was part of the (2012) Champions League winning team, played with half a hamstring in the final, I know that.

“He got himself fit when he was under pressure with the injury and I would always respect that.”