Lampard welcomes Hudson-Odoi contract boost
Frank Lampard has welcomed the news that Callum Hudson-Odoi has committed his future to Chelsea.
The teenager this week signed a new five-year contract – eight months after asking for a move.
Hudson-Odoi made it clear he wanted to leave in January amid interest from Bayern Munich.
However, he was subsequently given a run in the Chelsea side and broke into the England squad before his season was ended prematurely by a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Bayern remained interested and Hudson-Odoi had just a year of his contract left to run, but Lampard assured the player he was very much part of his plans after taking over as Blues boss during summer.
Lampard explained: “I spoke to Callum in pre-season when we were away in Dublin – and pretty much as soon as I got the job I made contact with him to make him aware that I wanted him to be part of the plans.
“He’s a young lad who has come through the academy here. The club’s worked hard with him and he’s worked hard to get in the first team.
“For me it just felt like it (Hudson-Odoi staying) was what everybody wanted.
“Then it was away from me slightly in terms of the club dealing with the contract itself. But I wanted to make it clear that I want him at the club because I believe in his talent.”
But Lampard has told Hudson-Odoi not to rest on his laurels now his future has been resolved.
“Now that the five-year contract is signed is when the hard work really starts for him,” Lampard said.
“He’s got everything. We know the talent he has. But I feel there’s a lot more and it’s hard work that will get him there.
“Now it’s signed and sealed he can get to work.”
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