Farewell Frank, you are a true Chelsea legend

Last updated : 02 June 2014 By Paul Lagan

Frank Lampard is no longer a Chelsea player.

Well that's not quite right, he is until the end of June when his contract expires.

In the mixed zone after the England victory after Peru, on Friday night, Lampard, walked past the assembled journos and shouted of to us, saying: "Sorry, can't speak now, I will over there."

The over there a clear reference to England flying out to Miami on Sunday. And while Frank hasn't spoken to any journo 'out there', he has released a statement ending his 13-year lobe affair with Chelsea.

 He said: "This club  (Chelsea) 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!"

The Chelsea fans will now be asking several questions - why has Frank left?

Did the club offer him a contact?

If so, was it something that Frank could justifiably accept?

My understanding is that Chelsea did offer him a contract but it was considerably less that what he expected and based on a potential number of games he would play next season. 

A player of Frank's nature needs to play every week in order to perform to the best of his abilities at the highest level. A Carling Cup and FA Cup outing and a place on the bench for league and Champions League matches just did not tickle Frank's fancy.

So where will he be next season?  Would he play for another Premier League club?

QPR could do with him as they look to return to the Premier League - Uncle 'Array would take him in a heartbeat. But could Frank really do it?

Going to the USA would be appealing. Frank is unlikely to be extending his England career beyond Brazil in the summer so killing time before joining up with MSL new boys New York City in 2015 might be an option. 

Frank will announce where he is going as soon as he is finished with his England duties. But the one thing he won't be doing is putting on a Blues shirt in anger ever again.

Farewell! Frank - its been a blast.