Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has expressed his gratitude for the impact that club owner Roman Abramovich has made at Stamford Bridge.

The Russian billionaire took over the London club in 2003 and since then has invested heavily in the squad.

Despite being known for dismissing managers swiftly during his tenure, Lampard believes that he would not have acquired so much success without the tycoon.

"I've won four FA Cups, three Premier Leagues and two Carling Cups," said Lampard. "That's nine so far but 10 would be even nicer.

"I never expected to have this kind of success when I moved from West Ham. I knew Chelsea was a bigger club and it was a huge step up but what has happened since was never on the horizon at the time.

"We have to thank the owner for what's happened. We scraped into the Champions League the year before he arrived and his investment has taken the club to a different level."

Lampard has already clinched an FA Cup winners' medal this season and remains in contention to lift the Champions League trophy with the Blues.