Chelsea star 'devastated' at best friend leaving club - 'Just didn't sit right with me'

Chelsea manager faces a testing second summer transfer window as he seeks to restore the club to its former glories.

And some of the more difficult decisions to be made in the coming months may involve splitting up certain friendships at Stamford Bridge.

It wasn't long ago , who face Real Betis in the final on Wednesday, were viewed as an outfit of individuals. But after finishing fourth on Sunday to qualify for next season's , it's evident there are bonds in this squad worth preserving.

And that's precisely how felt when the time came for fellow club legend and best mate to leave in 2014. After 13 years and three titles, four , one Champions League and a crown together in blue, 'Super Frank' decided his time in west London had reached its end.

Chelsea's all-time top scorer departed in controversial fashion, and not only because many fans didn't want to see him go, even at the age of 36. It was initially understood Lampard had agreed to join New York City FC ahead of their MLS inauguration in January 2015, but he instead joined sister club on a six-month deal that eventually turned into a full season.

Needless to say Terry, who didn't leave the Blues until 2017 when he joined , was as broken up as anyone over the matter. And it didn't sit well with him that Chelsea icons like Lampard and , who also left in 2014 for Roma, would be suiting up in other teams' colours.

"It just doesn't seem right to see them in different shirts. Maybe over time that will ease but it doesn't seem right," he said at the time of the trio's split. "We have grown up together and won and lost together at Chelsea. We have done many great things and it was sad to see them go."

Terry, 44, and Lampard, 46, grew particularly close over the course of their time together at Stamford Bridge. The pair functioned as the fulcrum of the club throughout that period and helped usher in a period of unprecedented success.

While managers and superstar signings came and went, they were the constants who ensured the west London club always remained relevant. But for the first time in almost a decade-and-a-half, they would find themselves on opposing team sheets.

But despite clearly holding some resentment over the fact his best friend was leaving for pastures new, Terry continued to hold Lampard in the highest regard. And he spared no expense putting his pal atop the Chelsea pecking order.

"To me there is no doubt [he's the best]. Before that there was Gianfranco Zola but Lampard has been an absolute legend here and his legacy will remain ever," he continued. "It's a legacy for the younger boys to come and try and fill those big boots and replicate what he's done. That will be very tough for someone but he's an absolute hero for the fans, with the players as well and how he pushed us individually and collectively.

"He has been an idol and someone I inspired to be like in training. Around the place he was a great character but footballing wise I have never come across someone who works as hard as he does to improve his game."

Both Chelsea greats have since returned to the club in coaching capacities since hanging up their boots, albeit never crossing paths with one another. Lampard managed his old team between July 2019 and January 2021 before returning as caretaker in a nightmarish 11-game stint at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Terry, meanwhile, came back to Stamford Bridge in a consultant role in early 2022 before returning as an academy coach 18 months later. He's now enjoying life at the helm of Baller League outfit the 26ers, while Lampard only just missed out on landing Coventry City a spot in the Championship play-off final.