Former West Ham, Chelsea, Manchester City and England midfielder Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from football.
Lampard, who won 106 caps for his country, left New York City FC in November after his contract expired.
In a statement on his Facebook page, the 38-year-old said he had taken the decision to retire despite receiving “a number of exciting offers to continue playing at home and abroad”.
“After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer,” he wrote. “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.”
Lampard is Chelsea’s record goalscorer having joined the club in 2001. Among his honours at Stamford Bridge were three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League.
“I have many people to thank,” Lampard added. “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 team-mates, 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 New York City FC. 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 Football Club, 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.
“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.”
Frank in numbers
11,000,000 — The fee, in pounds, paid by Chelsea to West Ham for the midfielder's signature in 2001.
13 — Years at Stamford Bridge.
50 — Chelsea's first championship in half a century was secured in 2005 with two Lampard goals in a win at Bolton.
164 — Number of consecutive Premier League appearances for Chelsea (a record for any outfield player) from October 2001 to December 2005.
211 — Goals for Chelsea, a club record, eclipsing Bobby Tambling's long-standing total of 202.
11 — Major trophies won with Chelsea (one European Cup, one Europa League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups).
0 — There was no fee involved in the move to Manchester City, who agreed a short-term deal after Lampard had said he was moving to their sister club, New York City FC.
85 — The minute of Lampard's goal against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium which earned City a 1-1 draw in September 2014.
15 — Goals in 31 games for New York City FC.
106 — England caps, featuring 29 goals.
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