Frank Lampard admitted he was almost brought to tears at full time of Everton's 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Thursday evening.
The Blues confirmed their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion at Goodison Park after finding themselves two goals down at the interval. Strikes from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew, shortly after he was spared a red card for a dreadful tackle on Anthony Gordon, put the visitors in charge.
However Michael Keane's strike shortly after the break brought the hosts back into it, before Richarlison's deflected strike levelled matters. Then, a diving header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin set off incredible celebrations in the stands and later spilling out onto the pitch.
ADAM JONES: Dominic Calvert-Lewin gets Everton moment he deserved after season from hell
PLAYER RATINGS: Rate the Everton players after dramatic comeback against Palace
RATE THE PLAYERS: Leave your scores after amazing Everton comeback
Lampard couldn't hide his emotions straight after the full time whistle and that continued on into his post-match press conference.
He told the media: "I thought I might cry [at full-time], I thought I might jump out of my body. Nobody can question the celebrations at the end.
"It is easy to say 'but you haven't won anything'. You know what, come and work at this club for a few months and see the difficulties and what it means to people to stay in this league.
"See us 2-0 down at half-time, playing poorly, ridiculous second goal and then see the character they showed. See the fans on the pitch in good heart and spirit.
"They have pulled us over the line, they have been more than a 12th man. But the players also deserve huge credit. An amazing night."
Lampard had a hugely successful career as a player and enjoyed some incredible nights over the course of that time. However, he believes that this win for Everton ranks right up there among the rest of his huge achievements.
He admitted how proud he is to be the Blues manager on a night such as Thursday, and he believes that this club is truly special.
He added: "It is one of the greatest moments of my footballing life and career. I have been very fortunate to have amazing times, especially at Chelsea as a player and a coach.
"But when you feel the feelings and desperation of what relegation brings to the table, it is different. You need to dig in. You lose games, you fight to do something and then you lose another game.
"People think you should fly up the table and it is never that way. Coming in here three and a half months ago with my amazing staff, positive people who work so hard, and trying to affect things and getting a reaction from the players, from the fans and feeling unity when it looked split.
"This club is special and I am proud to be manager of Everton on this night."
