Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard, standing alone in the penalty area, waiting to take his penalty against Liverpool.

It was the second-half of the second leg of the Champions League semi-final and I’ve seen nothing like it before.

Lampard, an England international and Chelsea’s talismanic midfielder, was playing in one of the most high-pressure games of his career just days after his mother Pat died.

Scoring a goal, from a typical late surge into the box, would have been so much easier. Having time to think about everything that is going on off the field as he waited for the referees whistle to take the penalty was probably the hardest thing this player has ever had to do on a football pitch.

Lampard is one of the most composed finishers in the British Premier League. His penalty was dispatched with typical precision. It was only then that his composure disintegrated.

He immediately ran to the corner flag to his left, pulled off his black armband and kissed it as he collapsed to the ground in an emotional heap. By now, the tears were flowing.

His team-mates swamped him. By the time he eventually got to his feet, his head nestled in Didier Drogba’s chest, the tears were still flowing.

He kissed his armband again and pointed up to the sky with both hands. He blew kisses to his dad, Frank Snr who was watching in the stand.

It was one of the most heart-rendering moments I’ve ever witnessed in a sporting arena.

I watched it live from my hotel room in Tobago. But at that moment I felt like I was alongside Frank Lampard, sharing his grief. I think everyone watching felt the same.

Lampard has had some unfair abuse from England fans over the past few seasons. His mum can rest in peace now with the fact that he now has the respect of the nation.