Lampard retires from football career

The legendary Chelsea midfielder decided to retire from football at the age of 38 after 21 years of continuous professional play.

New York City (USA) is Lampard's last club. Photo: Reuters

"After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to end my professional career. I have received a number of offers to continue playing at home and abroad, but at the age of 38, I feel that the time is right to start the next chapter in my life. I am incredibly proud of the trophies I have won, the over 100 England caps I have made and the over 300 career goals I have scored," Lampard wrote in a retirement announcement on Instagram on the afternoon of February 2.

Lampard began his career at West Ham, where his father Frank Lampard Sr. played professionally. In 187 appearances for West Ham, in addition to his natural ability to create, the midfielder also quickly proved his talent for scoring with 39 goals.

Lampard started playing for Chelsea in 2001. At that time, not many people thought that the midfielder wearing the number 8 shirt would become a legend at Stamford Bridge.

However, Lampard played continuously for Chelsea for 13 years and contributed to almost all the most prestigious titles: three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League and one Europa League. With 211 goals, Lampard is also the player with the most goals in Chelsea's history.

The 2012 Champions League is the most important title Lampard has won with Chelsea.

"The biggest part of my heart belongs to Chelsea, the club that has given me so many wonderful memories. I will never forget the opportunities Chelsea gave me and the successes we achieved together. It would be impossible to thank individually everyone who supported and helped me during my 13 years at Chelsea," Lampard wrote.

After leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2014, Lampard played for Man City for one season. In the following season, he moved to the US to play for New York City coach Patrick Vieira.

"I am very grateful to the Football Association for giving me the opportunity to study and improve my coaching skills. I will pursue opportunities off the pitch after this decision to retire," Lampard said about the possibility of becoming a coach in the future.

According to VNE