FRANK Lampard announced his retirement from the game on Thursday, and it is time for West Ham United fans to finally acknowledge what a fantastic player he was.

Lampard began his career with the Hammers, coming through the Academy of Football, but was immediately subjected to abuse.

Hammers fans felt the midfielder was only getting in the team because his father, Frank Snr, was assistant manager to his uncle, Harry Redknapp, at Upton Park.

Supporters also ridiculed Lampard for his size before and after the England international joined rivals Chelsea for a bargain £11m in 2001.

I think West Ham should look back and be proud of bringing a player of Lampard’s ability through the ranks.

When Lampard confirmed he was hanging up his boots via an Instagram post, all of his former clubs tweeted their well wishes to the goalscoring midfielder. Except West Ham. That, to me, shows a lack of class.

Yes, the Hammers faithful may not have been the greatest of supporters of his career, but he still came through the Academy of Football, and was one of the best to come through the club in the last two decades.

During the Redknapp era, Premier League and England legends such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole were nurtured at the Boleyn Ground along with Lampard.

Now the Hammers are struggling to bring through anyone who has the same potential, and Reece Oxford - who joined Reading on loan on transfer deadline day - is the only one who has stood out for me in the last few years.

Southampton, who Slaven Bilic’s side beat 3-1 on Saturday, now have the best record of bringing through Premier League standard players.

We should be proud to have brought through one of the best midfielders in Premier League history, who went on to win 116 England caps and so many honours in an outstanding career.