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Frank Lampard: Chelsea midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge

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Lampard on Chelsea departure

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has announced he will leave the Blues after 13 years at Stamford Bridge.

The England international, 35, the club's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals, is out of contract this month.

Since joining from West Ham in 2001, Lampard has won 11 major trophies, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2012.

"This club has become part of my life," said Lampard, who could retire, but has had offers from 16 other clubs.

He is currently with the England squad in Miami ahead of the World Cup and will not make any decision about his future until after the tournament.

After signing for a fee of £11m, Lampard made 648 appearances for Chelsea, putting him third in the most appearances for the club behind Ron Harris on 795 and Peter Bonetti on 729.

During his time with the west London club, he also won four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.

"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," added Lampard, Chelsea's Player of the Year on three occasions.

"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."

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 and made 40 appearances in his final season under Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea FC's official website said Lampard "helped change the way football views the modern central midfield player" and that he leaves with the club's "enormous gratitude".external-link

"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," the Blues added.external-link

"We have never seen his like in our midfield before and we will be very blessed to again see his equal."

He will be the second high-profile name to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with team-mate Ashley Cole, 33, also out of contract and set to depart after eight years.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech tweeted:external-link "It has been a privilege to have played with a true Chelsea legend and one of the most influential Premier League players ever."

England team-mates praise Lampard

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

The midfielder played at Euro 2004 as well as the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Only former Newcastle and England 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.

"What a career he has had at Chelsea," Shearer told BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast.

The Match of the Day pundit added that for a centre forward it would be a "great record" to have scored as many goals as Lampard did.

"As a midfielder, it's absolutely sensational," continued Shearer. "I've had some great battles with Frank and he is ever the true professional."

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395 comments

  • Comment posted by ovalball, at 19:41 2 Jun 2014

    Congratulations Frank on a first class Chelsea career

    All the best for the future

  • Comment posted by yesbut, at 19:42 2 Jun 2014

    Cannot stand Chelsea,but really rate Lampard.Even at 35 most clubs would welcome him with open arms.Hope he doesn't take the retirement option.There is a lot still to give in Lamps.

  • Comment posted by ClinicalHitman, at 19:47 2 Jun 2014

    I have always felt that Zola was the best player that Chelsea have ever had... As a United fan, I may have reluctantly concede that Frank has taken that honour.

    A strikers eye for goal, never got injured in his prime. a fantastic servant to Chelsea and England and most importantly, a role model to kids in how to maximise your talents through hard work and dedication.

  • Comment posted by SirGeoffreysMum, at 20:06 2 Jun 2014

    From an LFC fan: Frank Lampard like Stevie G has given everything and is a huge credit to his club and country. When will the trolls learn, you can hate a club (I'm not exactly an Abramovitch pen-pal), doesn't mean you should hate its players who've given 300% for it. Frank you'll continue to add value and delight fans wherever you go.

  • Comment posted by myview, at 20:10 2 Jun 2014

    So many negative comments (from non Chelsea fans) about a player who's had a great career.

    Ok Ok, so Lampard didn't play for your team, but what's so hard about acknowledging how good a player he's been?

    Cummon ... don't let yourselves down.

  • Comment posted by guinless, at 20:10 2 Jun 2014

    I find it so sad that so called fans of other clubs cannot say something positive about anything but their own on this message board.

    I am an Arsenal fan and although I call Frank rent a shot for his shoot on sight of goal philosophy, I am honest enough to say that there aren't many teams in the Prem who wouldn't have been improved by this thoroughly decent bloke
    Good luck Frank

  • Comment posted by Lee Churm, at 20:25 2 Jun 2014

    I hate to make general sweeping comments, but here's one for you. If you didn't rate Frank or respect his service for club and country, then frankly (scouse the pun) all your opinions on football are invalid. A true professional with an impeccable record. Great to watch from a coaches' perspective as what he did well, he did better than anyone else. From a Derby fan NOT a Chelsea fan...

  • Comment posted by chapper1, at 20:05 2 Jun 2014

    As a Liverpool fan they are our recent nemesis & arch rivals - but this guy deserves to be called a legend as everything he has done has been of the highest order and his attitude exemplary; one of a very few footie role models kids should aspire to.
    Just hope he has the sort of world cup that he deserves

    Be a long time until

  • Comment posted by User0645632834, at 19:56 2 Jun 2014

    One of the best players to ever play in the Premier League, those who deny it don't know anything about football.
    Despite many not liking him, has always performed admirably both on and off the pitch, and has always played with determination and character.

  • Comment posted by Y0U, at 19:38 2 Jun 2014

    So Chelsea now only have two English players in their first team, one of which is 33 and is on limited time himself. Doubt Bertrand will be staying there either. Goes to show the HG player rules don't work properly.

  • Comment posted by D1679270622736, at 20:09 2 Jun 2014

    One of the few Premiership footballers who knows what it is to be a decent person. And that's from a West Ham fan.

    Has some idea of what life is like for the average man in the street, isn't covered in tattoos and makes a conscious effort to not be an obnoxious fool.

    Why?

    I think it has something to do with his parents.

    Best wishes to Frank Lampard Sr. Hope all is well with you, Sir.

  • Comment posted by User0037591373, at 20:47 2 Jun 2014

    As a Man Utd fan I've come to expect bile from other fans. But I'm seriously shocked to see it on here against Frank Lampard. One of the few Chelsea players I respect both as a player and a man. Always conducted himself with dignity and integrity. Good luck Frank wherever you go.

  • Comment posted by 2footanidol, at 20:36 2 Jun 2014

    One hell of a Player, would be welcolmed at any club , Good Luck Frank

  • Comment posted by Macingtosh14, at 20:38 2 Jun 2014

    Top player, and top bloke! One of the best midfielders to grace the Premier League, and still doing the business at 35. Surprised that Chelsea have let him go, hopefully he'll have a good few more years left in him.

  • Comment posted by TJH, at 20:34 2 Jun 2014

    The best goal scoring midfielder the PL has ever seen.

    His record puts many a striker to shame too.

  • Comment posted by zico, at 20:25 2 Jun 2014

    I bet Chelsea Fans will be sad he is leaving. Coming from a Man Utd Fan, the guy is a class act, You can't fault his record as a player and the amount of goals he gets from Midfield. Lets be honest most of us would have loved him playing in our team, Heck I would take him now over most of Man Utd's current midfielders!!!

  • Comment posted by User0980624812, at 20:40 2 Jun 2014

    @20 "Gerrard has played poor in many international tournaments because of Lampard."

    What did Frank do? Sit on him?

    Only one person to be blamed for Gerrard underperforming consistently for England. Bit like a certain Mr Ronney. Is that Lampard's fault too?

    Anyway, Frank has been great for Chelsea and England, even has 3 Premiership winners medals!

  • Comment posted by superharpo, at 20:45 2 Jun 2014

    @169

    "Just another Soccer playing moron with more money than sense."

    Are you really?

    Thanks for letting us know.

  • Comment posted by keithf, at 22:15 2 Jun 2014

    Not any kind of Chelski fan. But total respect for Lampard. Great servant, model,professional. Best wishes for the future. No self respecting football fan could possibly talk ill of him.

  • Comment posted by Ben_Serrano_SWFC, at 19:42 2 Jun 2014

    Chelsea's greatest ever player
    Chelsea's Top Goal scorer

    Still believe he had another year in him as a bit-part player and General in the midfield. Will be very interesting now to see what Mourinho does now to increase the number of English players in the team.

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