Despite bringing up such outstanding landmarks it appears Lampard’s days at Chelsea are numbered as the 34-year-old has reportedly been told he is free to find a new club when the transfer window opens at the start of January.
Frank Lampard could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge next month but if Chelsea fans had their way he would spend the rest of his career at the London club.
The England midfielder made his 500th English Premier League start in the 8-0 hammering of Aston Villa and marked the occasion with a goal which saw him become the Blues’ all-time top scorer in the top flight.
But despite bringing up such outstanding landmarks it appears Lampard’s days at Chelsea are numbered as the 34-year-old has reportedly been told he is free to find a new club when the transfer window opens at the start of January.
Lampard’s exit would not go down well with the Chelsea faithful, who worship Lampard and have voiced their desire for owner Roman Abramovich to offer him a new contract rather than see him leave the club.
The former Chelsea midfielder was coy over his future when asked after the demolition of Villa.
“No, I’m not concentrating on that far ahead,” he said. “I’m under contract here. I’m going to keep going game by game. I love playing here. I’m pleased to be fit and I will keep trying to enjoy my football. I believe I have a lot in me to go.
“I dont want to get too deep. The club’s position is their position. I’m here to play football to show people what I can do.”
The experienced midfielder spoke of his pride at his achievements at Stamford Bridge following his move from London rivals West Ham back in 2001. “It means I’m old,” Lampard joked of the record. “No, it means a lot. I’ve been fortunate to play for a great club and the managers had team-mates around me. I’m very proud of that goals record, to beat a great man such as Bobby who is an absolute legend and a lovely bloke, it means everything.
“Coming across London is not always easy but they (the fans) have supported me from the first minute. I appreciate it. I try to play well for them.”
Chelsea fans sang ‘sign him up, sign him up’ as Lampard turned the sort of dominant display we have seen for so many years in a Blue shirt. But Abramovich is reportedly prepared to let long-serving duo Lampard and Ashley Cole leave and there will be no shortage of takers for either of them.
Lampard may be classed as a veteran but his experience is invaluable and he is certainly not struggling with fitness — as he showed against Villa.
With an eye for goal and a hunger for success still very much evidence, rival EPL sides and clubs from across the globe are expected to make a move for the Londoner.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp, who is the midfielder’s uncle, is understood to be keen to be reunited with Lampard but whether he would be prepared to swap a top four club for a relegation battle remains to be seen.
Lampard could be tempted to make a move to the MLS, with David Beckham’s former club Los Angeles Galaxy thought to be keen to sign him. Carlo Ancelotti could also look to sign Lampard, having worked with him at Chelsea, so Paris Saint-Germain could be an option.
But regardless of whether Lampard stays at Chelsea or moves on he is one of the best players to have played in the EPL and will always hold legendary status at Stamford Bridge and rightly so.
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