Roberto Di Matteo: Frank Lampard is "an inspiration"

Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has claimed that Frank Lampard has been one of the world's finest players over the last 10 years and described him as "an inspiration" to his fellow professionals.

The veteran midfielder left the Blues after 13 years at the club in the summer, and signed a short-term deal with Manchester City.

Lampard departed Stamford Bridge after becoming the club's highest-ever scorer with 211 strikes, and Di Matteo, who guided the club to a Champions League triumph in 2012, praised the ex-England international.

He told the Daily Mail: "Frank has been the best midfielder in the world over the last decade.

"His consistency and attitude in delivering top performances year after year is an inspiration for any professional football player. [He is] easy to work with because of his professionalism and intelligence.

"As a person, he is an honest guy with good principles and integrity."

Manchester City host Chelsea on Sunday.