In a move that comes as little surprise to football fans, former Chelsea FC midfielder Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from international football and the England national team. Lampard has notched 106 caps for the Three Lions and was once a member of England’s golden generation that included John Terry, David Beckham, Michael Owen, and Steven Gerrard.
Things never quite panned out for Frank Lampard and that golden generation but the Chelsea midfielder was always one of their most influential players. He had to deal with pundits and fans doubting his ability to play with Gerrard but he was always a true professional when he pulled on the England shirt.
Here is #Lampard before his @england debut in a 2-1 friendly win against Belgium on 10 October 1999. pic.twitter.com/3oad1EttUo
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) August 26, 2014
Here is the statement Frank Lampard released through his management:
"“I have taken the decision to retire from international football. It has been a very tough decision for me to make which is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup. I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt.Due to my club career now going in a different direction it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first. Also, to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football.It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players that we have coming through, and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, that we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves.I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all the players that I have been fortunate enough to play alongside, and all the England fans for their support, not only at home but particularly on their travels with the team around the world.I now look forward to continuing to support the team as a fan and wish them every success for the upcoming campaign towards France 2016.”Source: ESPN FC"
Frank Lampard endured another disappointing international tournament with England this summer at the World Cup in Brazil but was still one of the team’s best players. He started and captained the side in their final match against Costa Rica and despite the draw, Lampard was one of the most influential players on the field.
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After his move to NYC FC was finalized many believed that his retirement from England would come shortly after but Roy Hodgson would not dismiss him from the squad. Frank Lampard appears to have taken that decision in to his own hands in order to focus on the next step of his career and it comes with the blessing of his manager and the fans.
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