Frank Lampard has put an end to all speculation about his future by signing a one-year extension to his contract at Chelsea, committing to another year at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard’s future has been under the spotlight since being dropped last season by former boss Andre Villas-Boas, and the initial part of the current season under former manager Roberto Di Matteo. However, under the interim boss Rafael Benitez, Lampard has played more regularly, and the midfielder has given handsome returns in the form of multiple goals to guarantee UEFA Champions League football for the Blues.
The England international has been a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, and being dropped to the bench by former managers had the fans upset and angry over the continued negligence of the player’s talents. The former West Ham United player has consistently been known for scoring 20 goals per season for Chelsea, and has been instrumental in the heart of the midfield.
As the current season passed by, there was no sign of a new contract on the table by the Blues, and speculation grew that despite his good form, Lampard will be off in the summer, with many top clubs in Europe eying his signature. Roman Abramovich wants the Blues to move into a new direction, with younger players and world class talents like Eden Hazard.
Lampard was an iconic figure in Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side a few years back, and the current Real Madrid manager is being touted as the permanent boss for next season. We are led to believe that Mourinho’s potential arrival may have influenced Lampard to sign on for another year.
This is additional good news for Chelsea fans, after they saw their side win the Europa League trophy at Amsterdam in the final against Portuguese side Benfica. The Europa League win will give Abramovich further incentive to hand a transfer kitty to Mourinho in the summer. The Blues have been known to be looking for a potential striker like Radamel Falcao, who can take enhance the attacking line.
According to the Metro, Lampard said, “I’m absolutely delighted. Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We’ve been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.”
“I want to thank Mr Abramovich for everything he’s done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.”
“The thought of helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years is all I ever wanted. I couldn’t be happier.”