Vialli: I back Lamps to be a hit at Inter
Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli believes Frank Lampard would cope with life in Italy should he opt to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Lampard is currently in the middle of a tug-of-war between signing a new deal at Chelsea or joining up with former boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
And Vialli, who made a name for himself at Chelsea both as a player and manger after a glittering career in Serie A, insists the England ace has what it takes to settle abroad and prove a big hit.
“Lampard is a very popular figure at Chelsea and whether he decided to stay or move to join Inter Milan, he would be a success, Vialli told City.A.M.
“If he were to move, I think he would cope with the new lifestyle in Italy and also the style of football. Mourinho would be touting him if he didn’t think he could cope. There will be a lot of people talking for him but ultimately, the decision has to Frank’s. Whatever happens, he is good enough and professional enough to be successful.”
Vialli has also joined the number of football insiders to disagree with Fifa president Sepp Blatter’s view that top-flight players are being treated as “slaves” by clubs.
Blatter shocked the football world with the comments when asked about the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo controversially agreed with Blatter’s views, but like several other top names in football, Vialli dismisses his claims.
“Top footballers these days are paid a lot of money and lead very good lifestyles,” Vialli added. “To call them salves is not really the word I would use. “In the lower leagues where there isn’t so much money, perhaps they are more so, but the players from the big clubs do not live like slaves in my opinion.”
Vialli is currently working for Italian television but says he has not ruled out the prospect of working in management again.
The 44-year-old has not had a club since leaving Watford in 2002, but said: “I am happy with my life both here and in Italy, but if the right job came along, I would have to be interested.”