Veteran Lampard reveals Chelsea departure

adamhigginsuk
Jun 2, 2014
4 min read

Golden boy: Lampard has decided to call time on his glittering Chelsea career after establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League era (Picture from Flickr.com)

FRANK Lampard has announced he will leave Chelsea this summer in search of a fresh challenge after 13 years with the club.

The midfielder is Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals in 648 appearances and won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, the Champions League and the Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The 35-year-old, who is currently with the England squad in Miami ahead of the World Cup, has been linked with a move to new MLS franchise New York City FC once his contract expires on June 30.

However, it is believed Lampard, who could retire, has had offers from 16 different clubs but will not make a decision on his future until after the tournament in Brazil.

In an emotional statement, Lampard said: "When I arrived at this fantastic club 13 years ago I would never have believed that I would be fortunate enough to play so many games and enjoy sharing in so much success.

"This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity. Firstly, Ken Bates, who put his neck on the line to sign me as a young player and without him I would not have even begun this experience.

"Roman Abramovich, the man who saved our club and took us all to new levels. His desire to push the club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone.

"All the managers and coaches who have helped me develop my game during the time I have been here. I have learnt from every one of them.

"All the brilliant team-mates who I have been lucky enough to train and play alongside for so long. Not just their football qualities but also the friendships I have gained along the way.

"I’d also like to give a special mention to all the staff and people behind the scenes at the club who do not receive the glory but without them the club would simply not function.

"The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons.

"Finally and most importantly, I would like to thank the Chelsea fans. I believe they are the greatest fans in world football. You have supported me from the moment I arrived. Not only on the pitch but in difficult moments in my personal life off the pitch. I will never forget.

"I feel honoured to have shared so many special times with you. Bolton, Amsterdam, Munich, the list goes on and on. I, and we as a team, could not have achieved those moments without your support.

"Whatever the next challenge is for me I will always be amongst you and have Chelsea in my home and in my heart. Hopefully I will get to see you all soon to say goodbye properly. In the meantime, thank you for the memories and keep making history."

After signing from West Ham for £11 million in 2001, Lampard became the club’s third highest appearance maker behind Ron Harris on 795 and Peter Bonetti on 729 and also won 11 major trophies along with the club’s Player of the Year award on three occasions.

He formed a vital part of the spine of the successful team built by Jose Mourinho in his first spell as manager which included the likes of John Terry, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba.

Lampard, whose club form earned him second place behind Ronaldinho in Fifa’s Ballon D’Or award of 2005, signed a one-year contract extension in May 2013.

He scored eight times in 40 appearances in all competitions in his final season under Mourinho and the club offered him another one-year deal but Lampard wanted a longer contract.

It is the second high-profile departure from Chelsea this summer with Ashley Cole also out of contract and set to depart after eight years as Mourinho begins to rebuild after a third place finish in the Premier League in 2013-14.

Lampard, the son of West Ham defender Frank Lampard senior, first played for England back in October 1999 and has gone on to make 103 appearances, scoring 29 times.

The midfielder played at Euro 2004 as well as the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and is vice-captain for the 2014 World Cup squad.

Only former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has been involved in more Premier League goals than the Chelsea player - scoring or assisting on 324 occasions compared to Lampard’s 272.

Chelsea posted a lengthy tribute to the departing Lampard on their website which looked back on his achievements and hailed him as one of their finest players of all time.

It read: "That Lampard has won more international caps while playing for Chelsea than anyone else in our history only strengthens the argument that he is one of the very greatest players to have represented the club.

"Any Chelsea supporter who has had the good fortune to watch Super Frank Lampard in full flow will know we have never seen his like in our midfield before, and we will be very blessed to again see his equal."

Frank Lampard factfile: