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| Frank Lampard |
Frank
Lampard has confirmed that he will leave Chelsea this summer after 13 years at
Stamford Bridge.
Speculation
had been rife over the 35-year-old's future with his contract running down in
west London, and the former West Ham midfielder confirmed in a statement on
Monday evening that he has played his last game for the Blues.
Lampard has
been heavily linked with a move to the United States to join New York City FC
in recent days, but his statement gave no indication over where his future now
lies.
"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," he said.
"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
teammates 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."
Lampard
joined the Blues in 2001 after six seasons at Upton Park and went on to make
648 appearances and become the club's all-time top goalscorer with 211 in all
competitions.
During his
time at Stamford Bridge, Lampard won the Champions League, the Europa League,
three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
The England
international formed a vital part of the spine of the team built by Jose
Mourinho after the arrival of owner Abramovich alongside the likes of John
Terry, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba.
Drogba left
the Blues in 2012 and, while Terry has penned a new deal after an impressive
season, Cech's place is likely to come under threat from the returning Thibaut
Courtois.
Left-back
Ashley Cole has left the club after his contract ran out and Mourinho appears
to be reshaping his squad after a third-placed finish in last season's Barclays
Premier League.
Lampard was
quick to thank the Chelsea fans as he confirmed he was joining the exodus but
was tight-lipped over where he may go next.
"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 honored 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.
Lampard had
been linked with QPR earlier in the summer but Hoops boss Harry Redknapp was
quick to play down those reports and a switch to New York, who have also signed
Spain striker David Villa, is now being mooted.
Lampard is
currently in the USA with the England squad as they prepare for this summer's
World Cup in Brazil with a training camp in Miami.
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