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"At the moment nothing has been said and my contract is up in the summer." Frank Lampard after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton.
Such has been the drama at Stamford Bridge this season – the John Terry saga, Roberto Di Matteo’s exit, Rafael Benitez’s arrival, the continual scrutiny on Fernando Torres – that Frank Lampard has rarely been the topic of conversation. But that is about to change, with the midfielder now able to agree pre-contract terms with other clubs and a long line of suitors gathering for his signature.
Lampard’s role has changed significantly over the past 18 months as he has transitioned from team talisman to part of the supporting cast. His vital double against Everton was a timely reminder of his ability to influence big games, but it still seems as though the 34-year-old could be part of Chelsea’s squad overhaul that might also include Ashley Cole, also out of contract this summer – just as Benitez had indicated shortly after taking charge back in November.
Five weeks on, Benitez is offering no further clarity on the subject. "My job is to keep Lampard fit", the Spaniard explained. "He is a good player. He is under contract, fully committed and working hard and that is the way. We cannot say too much about this." Los Angeles Galaxy are leading the pack of suitors, viewing Lampard as an ideal replacement for David Beckham, but there are sure to be other lucrative offers on the table, including ones from other Premier League clubs. Wouldn’t Lampard be a valuable addition for Manchester United, for instance?
In truth, should Chelsea allow Lampard to walk away from the club, it would be one of the more head-scratching decisions of the Roman Abramovich era. Not only does the England midfielder bring much needed experience and composure to an increasingly youthful squad, but he is a proven winner too. Why discussions on a new contract have not progressed remains a mystery.
Since joining Chelsea in 2001, Lampard has won three Premier League titles, played in two Champions League finals (winning one) as well as lifting the FA Cup on four occasions and the League Cup twice. Needless to say, he was a central figure in the vast majority of these triumphs.
With the clock potentially ticking on Lampard’s Chelsea career, Inside Futbol picks out a few of his finest moments from the past decade.
1) Brace at Bolton Clinches Chelsea’s First Premier League Title (2005)
Within touching distance of a first title in 50 years, Lampard was the hero as Chelsea earned a 2-0 win at the Reebok Stadium, bringing the trophy to Stamford Bridge in Jose Mourinho’s first season at the helm. The midfielder scored both goals in the second half as part of sweeping counter attacks, with his second prompting jubilant scenes as the players soaked up their massive achievement.
2) Crucial Penalty in Champions League Just Days After His Mother’s Death (2008)
On a night of high emotion, Lampard slotted home a high pressure extra-time spot-kick to help Chelsea hold off Liverpool and reach the Champions League final. This second leg came just six days after the death of his mother from leukaemia – and Lampard celebrated the goal by kissing the black armband on his shirt and pointing to the sky above. It was another reminder of the midfielder’s incredible character and mental strength.
3) Iron Man – Consecutive Appearances Record (2001-2005)
Not only does Lampard come up with key goals, he has also demonstrated remarkable fitness levels, allowing him to play 164 consecutive Premier League games between 2001 and 2005 and break David James’ record of 159. It speaks volumes for his commitment to his craft, his willingness to play through injuries (particularly in the Mourinho era) and the consistency of his performances.
4) Champions League Glory in Munich (2012)
After the agony of missing out on European glory in 2008 (losing on penalties to Manchester United), Lampard finally got his hands on the Champions League trophy as a veteran Chelsea team outlasted Barcelona in the semi-final then beat Bayern Munich (in Munich) in the final. On that night, Lampard delivered the corner for Didier Drogba’s late equaliser and netted his penalty in the shootout, completing his set of club medals as the Blues celebrated a heroic run.
5) Closing In On Top Spot on Chelsea Scorers List
Lampard’s eye for goal from midfield is the rare quality that first put him on the map at West Ham. He has taken his scoring prowess to another level at Stamford Bridge, slowly but surely closing the gap on the top scorers in club history. At the time of writing, he has moved into third place on the list with 192 goals, one behind Kerry Dixon and ten behind all-time leader Bobby Tambling.
It remains to be seen whether Lampard will have the chance to add to his Chelsea legacy. But if he exits Stamford Bridge this summer, as many are predicting, he will head for his next challenge safe in the knowledge that his status as a Chelsea legend is assured.
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