Jose Mourinho has admitted he is unlikely to persuade Chelsea to sell Frank Lampard this summer, but is ‘100 per cent sure’ the England international will be an Internazionale player for the 2009-10 season.
Lampard’s future at Chelsea has been the subject of debate for some time as he enters the final year of his existing contract. The arrival at Stamford Bridge of Portuguese playmaker Deco, has heightened speculation about Lampard’s position at the club.
Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to sign the 30-year-old after managing him during his time at Chelsea.
“This season? I don’t think so,” Mourinho told Portuguese TV channel TVI.
“Why won’t he? Well, it’s not because we don’t want him to, but I’m sure Chelsea and Chelsea’s officials don’t want to sell him.
“However, for the next season it will be easier for him to join me at Inter.
“I’m 100 per cent sure in 2009/2010 he will be playing here.”
