Frank Lampard has thanked Chelsea fans for keeping his Blues "love story" alive when he moved to Manchester City.

Jose Mourinho criticised Lampard's City switch when the former England midfielder scored against Chelsea in a 1-1 Premier League draw in September 2014.

Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea before enjoying a Premier League swansong with City, with then Blues manager Mourinho claiming the midfielder had ended his Stamford Bridge love-in by joining a direct rival.

"Chelsea is certainly so close to my heart, hence why I am so proud to manage the club and why I wouldn't manage Tottenham.

"That's no disrespect to anyone, it's just because of what Chelsea has given me over my time as a player and now. It's certainly not on my list."

Asked if he was surprised Mourinho took the helm at Tottenham, Lampard continued: "That's only his decision, and you make that decision as you go.

"He's managed a lot of football clubs and that's what happens.

"If fans judge you that's out of your hands. As a professional you have to understand the right to work."