Frank Lampard would make a great manager, claims Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola

Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola has backed Frank Lampard to go on to become a successful manager.

Lampard is closing in on the end of his playing career after announcing that he would leave Major League Soccer side New York City.

The 38-year-old has previously expressed his dream which is to manage Chelsea.

After being linked with the managerial position at League One side MK Dons, Blues legend Zola thinks that Lampard has everything to make it as a successful boss, whatever league that may be in.

“I have no doubt that he can be a good coach, if he wants to,” Zola told Goal.

“He has always had the attitude to do things properly.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to become a coach and to see him doing well with it.

“He is a very good man,” he added.

Despite his contract expiring in the United States, the former England star is yet to confirm the next route of his career and has not officially hung up his boots yet.

A return to Stamford Bridge was rumoured but Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insisted that any reunion would only be thought about once Lampard retired.

Zola, who only returned close to his 39^th birthday, thinks the midfielder is physically fit enough to continue playing if that is the route that he wishes to go down.

The Italian said: “If he wants to carry on playing, then the ability is still there and physically he is somebody who has always looked after himself.

“He can continue if he wants to but it is just for him to decide.”

By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)