Chelsea pay tribute to departing Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard is Chelsea’s all time top goalscorer with a total of 211.

Chelsea Football Club have delivered a tribute praising Frank Lampard’s contribution to the club during his 13 year stay in west London, report the Evening Standard.

The 35-year-old veteran midfielder revealed on Monday that he had played his last game for the Blues after failing to agree a contract extension.

Having been widely expected to be retained for at least another year given his impressive service and total professionalism at Stamford Bridge the announcement was met with surprise in some quarters, but the club’s words highlighted the sizeable impact he has made on the entire outfit and its fans.

“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.

“Any Chelsea supporter who has had the good fortune to watch Super Frank Lampard in full flow will know we have never seen his like in our midfield before, and we will be very blessed to again see his equal,” said a club statement.

The midfielder, who was included in Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad, despite not being a regular member of Jose Mourinho’s side last season has been tipped to sign a lucrative contract to join newly formed MLS outfit New York City FC.

However, he has reportedly received offers from at least 10 other clubs and has a huge decision to make, with many of the belief that he is still able to compete at the top level.

A flurry of former and current team mates have delivered messages of support and praise to the veteran midfielder, whose void at Chelsea will only truly be felt once he departs.

Given his experience and proven ability, whoever entices Lampard to their club will have made an excellent addition to their squad. What is Chelsea’s loss will be someone else’s gain.