Lampard laments 'cruel' disappointment

Frank Lampard was left to reflect on the "cruel" nature of football after Chelsea FC had their dreams of UEFA Champions League glory dashed at the last by Manchester United FC in Moscow.

'Very cruel'
The England international midfielder took advantage of two deflections to cancel out Cristiano Ronaldo's 26th-minute header on the stroke of half-time at the Luzhniki Stadium and bring Chelsea back into the contest after United had had largely the better of the first half. Lampard might even have won the match early in extra-time only for his left-foot shot to come off the crossbar, but instead it was United who took the trophy for the third time with a 6-5 triumph in the resulting penalty shoot-out. "It's very cruel, because we did play well and we were very close to winning on penalties as well," he said. "It doesn't get much more cruel than that."

'Anyone can miss'
The trophy had looked to be heading for Stamford Bridge when Petr Čech saved United's third penalty from Ronaldo to give his side the advantage. Lampard duly scored to make it 3-2 and, after three more successful kicks Chelsea captain John Terry had the chance to settle the final – only to slice his spot-kick wide. Three successful conversions later, Nicolas Anelka was denied by Edwin van der Sar and the trophy was United's again. "Penalties are difficult and that's why players miss," Lampard admitted. "Cristiano Ronaldo is probably the best player in the world at the moment and he missed. John Terry missed. Anyone can miss. That's how cruel it is. I have respect for anyone who stands up and takes a penalty in that sort of situation."

'We gave everything'
Lampard, who hopes to open talks on a new contract with Chelsea this summer with his current deal due to expire at the end of next season, believes the London club and their manager Avram Grant have every reason to feel satisfied with their efforts, despite a first trophyless campaign since 2003/04, having pushed United all the way in the league and UEFA Champions League. "Avram said he was proud and I think he's right to be proud because everyone at the club gives everything to try and win this," he added. "We didn't win but we gave everything and if you give everything you can't regret too much."