Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says there are no regrets at Stamford Bridge over the decision to release Declan Rice as a teenager after the midfielder joined West Ham United and emerged as a key player.
Rice, a regular starter for Gareth Southgate's England side, featured in all 38 of West Ham's league games last season and has been linked with a move back to Chelsea in a potential £70 million ($94.45m) transfer deal next month.
Speaking ahead of Monday's league clash against West Ham, Lampard said Rice deserves "personal credit" for his impressive breakthrough at the London Stadium.
"He's a fantastic player for West Ham and England so fair play, because his journey there after leaving Chelsea and going to West Ham is a good story to hear," Lampard said.
"In terms of from our end, I certainly wouldn't use the word 'regret' - our academy is one of the best in the world and you look at our first team now with the players that we have produced who are in and around that squad.
"It's not easy. It's not an exact science to pick players but the academy staff do brilliantly here."
Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi have returned from injury setbacks and trained along with the rest of the Chelsea squad ahead of Monday's match against the team where Lampard started his career.
"I don't take it on myself personally, to me it's just another game and this one is especially important because we go into it on the back of two losses," Lampard said.
Read more about the coronavirus
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Results:
6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap (rated 72-87) Dh 165,000 1,600m.
Winner: Syncopation, George Buckell, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Big Brown Bear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,200m.
Winner: Stunned, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Handicap (85-105) Dh 210,000 2,000m.
Winner: New Trails, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash.
9.25pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,600m.
Winner: Pillar Of Society, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
