Mikel Obi pleads with Chelsea over Lampard

CHELSEA midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has urged the Stamford Bridge faithful to cheer Frank Lampard when he returns to West London as a Manchester City player next weekend, the Daily Star reports.

  The former England international ended his long affiliation with the Blues last summer, when the club did not renew his contract at the end of the season and he ended up joining New York City on a free transfer.

  However, with the MLS season in the midst of a break, Lampard was free to move out on loan and controversially returned to the Premier League with rivals Manchester City.

  His contribution to City’s title hopes has been telling, not least when he denied Jose Mourinho’s side three points at the Etihad stadium back in September by notching a trademark late equaliser.

  It will be strange seeing him return to Stamford Bridge donning the colours of a Premier League rival – yet Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has urged the fans to embrace his comeback with cheers and not boos.

  “The fans should definitely cheer Frank on,” Mikel was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. 

  “He is a club legend and I think that the fans will welcome him.”

  “It will be strange to play against him. During the game there is no friendship – but there will be after.”

   Mikel’s Chelsea side currently lead the Premier League table, five points clear of Pellegrini’s Manchester City side with a more favourable fixture list heading in to the final stages of the campaign.

  Manchester City’s trip to west London promises to be an intriguing encounter and Lampard’s so-called homecoming will only add to an already boisterous atmosphere.