Why Frank Lampard might be happy to call time on Chelsea
One of the most discussed topics of the season has been Frank Lampard’s future at Chelsea. The England midfielder is out of contract in the summer and has not been offered a new deal.
This is the same Lampard that has given everything for the club since 2001, scored 200 goals and helped Chelsea to a considerable amount of silverware.
When all is said and done, it is still baffling that the club aren’t offering him the opportunity to stay at Stamford Bridge. He may be 34-years-old, but is still one of the most important players they have.
There is an argument to suggest that it might suit Lampard to call time on his Chelsea career though. Perhaps now is the perfect time for the next, possibly final, chapter of his playing days.
Would he accept a new deal if it is put on the table? Probably. Could he take some positives out of the final day of this season being his last in a Chelsea shirt? Definitely.
On the subject of a new deal quickly, it has to be mentioned that Lampard might not be best pleased with the club if the offer came between now and the summer. Why had they waited this long?
Perhaps there would be a temptation on his part to make a statement and take a ‘too little too late approach’. In reality, it all depends on who the Chelsea manager is next season.
After all, if it is Jose Mourinho, he is likely to want to keep Lampard and you can’t see the player turning down the Special One. No matter how badly he feels he has been treated.
Anyway, back to the notion that Lampard might be best leaving Chelsea. Let’s ask this – what else has he got to achieve at the club?
The former West Ham man has won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup as a Chelsea player, scored 200 goals and firmly established himself as a club legend.
No matter what happens between now and May, if this is the end of his time at Stamford Bridge, he goes out on the top of his game. He might even have an FA Cup or Europa League win to act as a curtain call.
Lampard might see this as the perfect chance to leave with his reputation intact, rather than slowly be faded out of the team, which could well happen if he were to stay for a couple of years.
The 34-year-old would also get lots of offers this summer from teams all over Europe, something which might not happen if a couple of seasons pass by.
There is no doubt that he loves Chelsea and probably can’t imagine not pulling on the famous blue shirt again next season.
However, there is no doubt that if he entertains the idea of leaving, there are plenty of benefits on his part. Something not many have considered to date.
As a Chelsea legend, Lampard deserves to go out on top of this game.
Written by Thomas Rooney from Footballtips.com.
