Frank Lampard’s first words as Everton boss as Farhad Moshiri reveals why he hired Chelsea legend over Vitor Pereira

Frank Lampard revealed the ‘passion and ambition’ of Everton convinced him to take over as boss.

Lampard has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Goodison Park, succeeding Rafa Benitez in the hot seat.

Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “It is a huge honour for me to represent and manage a club the size and tradition of Everton Football Club.

“I’m very hungry to get started. After speaking to the owner, chairman and the board, I very much felt their passion and ambition. I hope they felt my ambition and how hard I want to work to bring it together.

“You can feel the passion Everton fans have for their club. That will be hugely important. As a team — the competitive level that the Premier League brings and the position we are in the table — we certainly need that. It’s a two-way thing.

“I think Everton is a unique club in that you can really understand what the fans want to see. The first thing they want is fight and desire and that must always be our baseline.

“My first message to the players will be that we have to do this together. We’ll try to do our job and I know the fans will be there backing us.”

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is adamant Lampard can give both supporters and the team ‘an immediate boost’.

He said: “I am really delighted that Frank has joined us. He is an impressive young man on and off the pitch. He has played at the very highest level of the game and has football in his blood.

“He impressed us all greatly during the thorough interview process and we’re all ready to give him all of our support as he looks to give the team an immediate boost.”