Frank Lampard quits Chelsea after 13 years

Legendary Chelsea player Frank Lampard is leaving the Stamford Bridge after playing 13 years for this West London Premier League team. The 35-year-old may join Major League Soccer in next season.

He led the team to three Premier League titles, the 2012 Champions League title, the 2013 Europa League, four FA Cups, two League Cups and two Community Shields. He had scored 211 goals in 649 appearances for Chelsea.

“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,” Lampard said in a statement released by his agent.

“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,” he added.

“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,” Lampard said.

“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,” he said.

Lampard also thanks Chelsea fans for supporting him over the years.

“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.”

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