Claudio Ranieri has revealed he was forced to choose between signing Frank Lampard or Michael Carrick for Chelsea in 2001.
Ranieri wanted to sign both from West Ham and build his midfield around the pair. But former owner Ken Bates refused to sanction the £19million deal and told Ranieri there was only enough money to sign one.
Ranieri opted to sign Lampard for £11m and the England star has always maintained he was indebted to the Italian for taking a gamble on him and help turn him into one of the best midfielders in Europe.
On Tuesday, following Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Juventus in Turin, Lampard made his way to Ranieri and handed him his shirt.
Lampard said: "It was the least I could do. I have a great deal of time and tremendous respect for him.
"I will always be in his debt after he took a chance on me by signing me from West Ham."
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But even Lampard wasn't aware Ranieri (below) was forced to choose between him and Manchester United star Carrick.
Ranieri said: "Frank Lampard gave me his shirt which was a very nice gesture. He is a great player and it was easy for me to see that he was young and destined to be a champion.
"When I paid £11m for him people were surprised, but how much is he worth now?
"At the time I signed him I wanted to sign Michael Carrick as well.
"We only had the money to sign one so I had to make a decision which one to buy.
"I think I made the right choice signing Lampard."
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