Lampard hits back at Willian over Hazard squad number claim

Willian has warn the No.22 shirt throughout his Chelsea career

Willian has warn the No.22 shirt throughout his Chelsea career (Picture: Getty)

Frank Lampard has hit back at Willian’s claim that he has already been offered Eden Hazard’s iconic Chelsea No.10 squad number.

Hazard’s move to Real Madrid means Chelsea will have a new No.10 for the first time in four years with the Belgium international having vacated the shirt previously warn by the likes of Juan Mata and Joe Cole.


Speaking to Brazilian TV show Desimpedidos, Willian claimed: ‘I was offered the number 10 jersey ahead of next season and I will take it.’

Willian has warn the No.22 shirt throughout his Chelsea career but Lampard refuted the claim of the 30-year-old, who played a part in Brazil’s recent Copa America success, and confirmed he is yet to make up his mind.


‘There’s no confirmation on that decision,’ he said after Chelea’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in Japan. ‘It will be taken in due course. Hopefully his return to training date will be early August.’

Goals from Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley helped Lampard’s side record their most impressive result of their pre-season campaign to date.

‘We’ve had two difficult games in humidity,’ he added. ‘The tour has served its purpose.

Ross Barkley socred the decisive goal in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Barcelona

Ross Barkley socred the decisive goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Barcelona (Picture: Getty)

‘We need to be fit and ready for Manchester United, and the clock runs down pretty quickly at this stage. Now we just have to keep working.

‘It’s been a good tour and it’s always good to come to Japan. Most importantly it is work and both games have been good exercises for us.

‘What I’ve learnt about the players is that they are a good group. I’m very happy.

‘In terms of the workload, the players have to get used to it now. I’ve set the standard of how I want them to work.’