Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri admits he had choose between Frank Lampard and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick while in charge of Chelsea.
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.
He 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."
