England midfielder Frank Lampard says he owes a debt of gratitude to Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked as manager of Chelsea on Monday.

"In the three years I've been at Chelsea, Claudio has done loads for me," Lampard told the Sun newspaper on Tuesday. "He gave me a chance, and without that, who knows where I would be?

Also Read Ranieri dismissed by Chelsea Factbox - Claudio Ranieri

"I cannot say enough about him. The way I'm playing and how I've developed in character, that's got to be down to him.

"He is a very honourable and dignified man. I respect everything he's done and I will be talking to him and thanking him."

Former West Ham United favourite Lampard, who was runner-up to Thierry Henry of Arsenal in the English Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year poll, said he was sad to see Ranieri go but acknowledged that Chelsea must be the priority.

"There is some sadness," said Lampard, who is in England's squad for the European championship in Portugal which starts later this month. "It's a difficult situation but the club is the be-all and end-all.

"Managers and players move on. What's made it difficult is that it (speculation over Ranieri's position) has lingered over a whole season."

The Italian's job had been under threat since Chelsea were taken over by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in July last year. Ranieri is expected to be replaced by Porto coach Jose Mourinho.

Abramovich spent more than 100 million pounds ($183.6 million) on new players and Ranieri piloted his new-look squad to the semi-finals of the Champions League and second place in the English premier league.

Ranieri, 52, replaced compatriot Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea in September 2000. He has also coached Valencia, Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid.