Chelsea legend Michael Essien admits he was surprised when Frank Lampard became a manager.

Essien and Lampard were part of the formidable Chelsea midfield in the early and mid-2000s.

The Ghanian had many good things to say about his former teammate, but did find it surprising that Lampard chose to go into coaching.

He said in an interview with Ladbrokes: "I know Frank very well, and mentally he's a very strong person. I'd love to see him back in a dugout again as soon as possible, but I have to say it did take me by surprise when he stepped into management.

"Working with him and playing alongside him for so many years, and spending time with him in the dressing room, I didn't know he was thinking of becoming a manager. He's quite a quiet person, very friendly but quiet. So it took me by surprise, but then again his understanding of the game is second to none.

"Coaching is totally different from being a player. To do it, you have to really love everything about the game and put 110% into it, and it's what the likes of Lampard have been doing. He knows the game inside out and it's such a great achievement for him to have managed a club like Chelsea so early into his managerial career."