Frank Lampard Relieved To Reveal His Chelsea FC Exit

England midfielder Frank Lampard said that he is relieved to have revealed his Chelsea FC exit before the World Cup because it is what he calls a “weight off his shoulders”. Lampard was believed to be negotiating a one year contract extension this summer but he revealed last week that he would be leaving the club after 13 years.

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The England vice-captain will now turn his focus to the World Cup and trying to make history with the Three Lions. He was given the captains armband yesterday by Roy Hodgson for a friendly against Ecuador and the tributes from his teammates poured in. Teammates from both club and country sent in their tributes on social media and as Lampard revealed he received a fair amount of text messages about his time at Chelsea.

Frank Lampard on his feelings after revealing his departure from Chelsea:

"“It is very difficult after 13 years but you have to move on, I move on, the club moves on and it’s as simple as that. I’m here now to concentrate on being with England. It was a relief to say it last night and now I personally, and the team, can focus on the game. It is something I will address more to Chelsea fans and Chelsea people at another time.It was strange to hear the statement down the phone, talking to people back home yesterday. It is quite strange when it is said out loud, I have to say, because it has been such a huge part of my life. That is kind of tough to an extent, but I am a big boy and I understand things move on. It’s a weight off my shoulders to an extent.I was so entrenched in the life at Chelsea, it overtook my life. I’ve been lucky enough to share it with lots of great people behind the scenes. It has been a huge part of my life so it cannot be anything but a wrench to leave. Yes, I’m proud. I’m proud to have been at a fantastic club, a club I went to quite wet behind the ears from West Ham and the club completely took me in. I am proud of nights like Munich. They will stay with me forever and, like I said in the statement, I will always have a lot of Chelsea in me. I’ll be back at games. I had a bundle of texts last night from people I’ve met along the way – Chelsea fans, friends, my family – and that made me feel very proud, I have to say.”"

Frank Lampard on a possible move to the MLS:

"“I’d like to get it sorted after the World Cup. The American thing is an option, I make no bones about that. I’m looking at different options, but the main thing is I want to carry on playing. I feel very fit and fresh and I’m enjoying it so I will keeping I’d love to play for a few more years.I can’t tell you where that is now and that is something to be parked at the minute.”"

It seems unlikely that Frank Lampard will sign with another Premier League club especially after the emotional farewell he gave to Chelsea and the possibility of a testimonial match in the works. Clubs do not give testimonial matches to players who are going to play for a league rival so a move overseas to New York City FC is much more likely. Chelsea fans in the United States would love the move and Lampard could certainly perform at the MLS level for at least another two or three years.

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