Frank Lampard announces his departure from ‪Chelsea Football Club

Frank Lampard has announced he has left Chelsea after his contract ran out at the end of the season.

Lampard has been strongly linked with a move to join up with new MLS franchise New York City FC once he returns from World Cup duty with England.

Lampard is Chelsea’s all time record goal scorer with 211 goals and has won a three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, four FA Cups, two League Cups, and two Community Shields in his time at Stamford Bridge playing 648 games.

Frank Lampard:

‘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. 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.

‘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!’

He has yet to decide if he will retire, but has had offers from 16 other clubs – however, none will be considered until after the tournament in Brazil finishes.

After signing for a fee of £11m, Lampard made 649 appearances for Chelsea, who also won four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League in his time at the west London club.

He had signed a one-year contract extension in May 2013, and made 40 appearances this season under Jose Mourinho.

Lampard, son of West Ham defender Frank Lampard senior, first played for England in October 1999. He has scored 29 goals in 103 international appearances, and played at Euro 2004 as well as World Cups in 2006 and 2010.