Frank Lampard says Claudio Ranieri deserves credit for Chelsea's success since the arrival of Roman Abramovich.

"He should take credit," said Lampard. "He brought a lot of important players to the team.

"He signed good players even before the Roman Abramovich era. He elevated John Terry to captain and he's become one of the best in the world since.

"A lot of things have happened at this club, and Claudio is part of that history.

"He took Chelsea from a side that finished in the top six to one that finished in the top four.

"He should take credit for what he did in his time here. I'm looking forward to seeing him again very much. I don't think I would be sitting here if hadn't been for him.

"He spent £11m on me, which seemed a lot of money at the time. He's a great man as well as a great manager.

"I saw that as soon as I met him. He helped me develop from a West Ham player who maybe hadn't seen the real world in footballing terms, and he opened my eyes to things.

"I don't think Ranieri's going to be thinking about proving points. He'll be thinking about getting through to the next round of the Champions League, like us.

"Everyone respects the way he carried himself through his time here, particularly in the end. It'll be great to see him again."