MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 09:28:30| >> :120:38469:38469:

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard announces retirement from football

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard announces his retirement from football following a 21-year career.

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from football following a 21-year career in the game.

The 38-year-old has released a statement saying that it feels like the "right time" for him to hang up his boots after representing West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City and MLS side New York City during his career.


After leaving the United States at the end of 2016, Lampard publicly stated that he had not closed the door on joining another club, but he did not take up any offers made to him.

The midfielder has now decided to walk away from the game, and he leaves having won 11 major trophies, all during his 13-year spell at Chelsea.

Lampard picked up three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League trophy and the Champions League crown as a Chelsea player.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the former England international said: "After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer. Whilst I have received a number of exciting offers to continue playing at home and abroad, at 38 I feel now is the time to begin the next chapter in my life. I'm immensely proud of the trophies I've won, of representing my country over 100 times and of scoring more than 300 career goals.

"I have many people to thank. I thank my parents for instilling in me the values of hard work, dedication and professionalism, values which I have carried with me in everything that I do. I am forever grateful for the support of my family, my wife Christine and my two daughters Luna and Isla. What you have given me off the pitch has always been my strength on it. I love you all very much. Also, my friends and my own team that have always been there for me.

"I would like to thank the amazing teammates, coaches, managers and backroom staff that I was privileged to work with. I'd also like to pay tribute to the clubs that I have represented. Firstly, West Ham United who gave me my debut in 1996. Thanks to the people there that believed in me at that young age. More recently Manchester City and NYCFC. I greatly enjoyed my last playing years at these two clubs and really appreciate the support I received from City Football Group and both clubs' fans.

"Of course, the largest part of my heart belongs to Chelsea, a club which has given me so many great memories. I will never forget the opportunity they gave me and the success that we managed to achieve together. It is impossible to give thanks individually to all the people that helped and supported me in my 13 years playing there. All I can say is from the day I signed until now and going forward, I'm eternally grateful for everything and to everyone. Chelsea fans gave myself and my teammates such incredible support. Their passion and hunger drove me on personally to give my best year after year. I couldn't have done it without them."

Lampard has also given an insight as to what he plans to do next by revealing that he will work on gaining his coaching badges with the Football Association.

He added: "Looking forward, I'm grateful to the FA for the opportunity to study for my coaching qualifications and I look forward to pursuing the off-field opportunities that this decision opens."

The footballer made more than 600 appearances for Chelsea, and in the Premier League alone while representing West Ham, the Blues and Man City, he featured in 607 games, scored 177 goals and made 102 assists.

ID:290925: cacheID:290925:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5372:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard celebrates scoring a penalty against Liverpool in the Champions League on April 30, 2008.
Read Next:
Lampard reveals Premier League offers
>
Read more about Frank Lampard Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!