Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has ended speculation about his future by signing a one-year contract extension at the club.
The 34-year-old, who has been with the Blues since 2001, recently became the club’s record goalscorer with two goals in the 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
He also played a key role as Chelsea claimed victory in the UEFA Europa League victory over Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” Lampard told the club’s website. “Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We’ve been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.
“I want to thank Mr Abramovich for everything he’s done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.
“The thought of helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years is all I ever wanted. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lampard has won a whole host of honours during his time in west London, claiming the Barclays Premier League on three occasions as well as one UEFA Champions League, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
He was also named Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year in 2005 and was and runner-up for both the FIFA World Player of the Year and European Ballon d’Or in the same year.
Lampard is only the third Chelsea player to play 600 matches for the club, he now has a total of 607 appearances, and his brace against Villa meant that he surpassed Bobby Tambling’s 202 goals.