Love Lampard

On July 24th 2014, Frank Lampard's love affair with Chelsea ended as he left as a free agent signing for the newly formed New York City FC. Today, he returns to Stamford Bridge in the colours of title rivals Manchester City.

There is a divide among the Chelsea faithful on how to receive a player they once lovingly dubbed "Super Frank." Some rightly feel he should be honoured upon his return whereas others feel that a special treatment should be out of the question for a player helping direct rivals Manchester City.

However, Chelsea really should be ashamed if Lampard does not getting anything but a warm reception full of respect. The Englishman is a player that was forever present in Chelsea's most successful years in history and was a cornerstone in their successes which included a first Premier League title in 50 years, a first Champions League trophy amongst the silverware.

Frank Lampard returns today to Stamford Bridge

During a time of constant change in owner Roman Abramovich's reign, Frank Lampard was one of the few players that was always in the side. He was part of the Chelsea backbone which included John Terry, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba that was considered untouchable by the Chelsea faithful.

Frank Lampard spent a majority of his career at Chelsea, having arrived from West Ham in 2001 for a fee of £11m, a price tag that was regarded at the time as a gamble. Since then Lampard became the clubs all time leading goalscorer with 211 goals for the side and the fourth in number of appearances in history for the side. Many forget that during his prime, Lampard was voted second in the Balon d'or ceremony behind none other than Ronaldinho.

One of the greatest to ever pull on a Chelsea shirt, Frank Lampard should be credited by the fans and club when he arrives with Manchester City today. It would be a touch of class for the club to do something similar to when Drogba returned with Galatasaray  and present him with a commendation.

Lampard was so often a player Chelsea turned to

The free-scoring central midfielder was ever graceful in his time at the Blues, someone many looked to as a model professional. Before the boo boys label him a traitor, they must remember that it was not Lampard who wanted to leave Chelsea, it was the other way round. The club deemed him a player that was not needed and at times looked like they were poorly treating a club legend.

Lampard's perfectly timed runs on the edge of the box, dictating of play and long range strikes became trademark Lampard at Chelsea and was so often a sight fans were use to seeing. It is strange to have him in anything but a Chelsea shirt but, even if it is in the colours of a direct rival he should still get the respect a record top scorer, model professional and legend should get upon a return home.