Frank Lampard retirou-se. O médio inglês anunciou que decidiu terminar a carreira, aos 38 anos e depois de ter jogado a época passada nos Estados Unidos, no New York City FC.

«Depois de 21 anos incríveis decidi que está na hora certa para terminar a minha carreira como jogador profissional», escreveu Lampard nas redes sociais, acompanhado de um vídeo em que veste a camisola do Chelsea. É ao clube onde conquistou três vezes a Premier League, além da Liga dos Campeões e Liga Europa, e de que é recordista de golos, que deixa palavras especiais: «A maior parte do meu coração pertence ao Chelsea, que me deu tantas grandes memórias.»

Na longa mensagem publicada, Lampard agradece ainda à Federação inglesa pela oportunidade de fazer a formação de treinador: «Estou ansioso por prosseguir as decisões fora de campo que esta decisão abre.»

Lampard começou no West Ham e, depois de uma passagem também pelo Swansea, rumou ao Chelsea em 2001. Foi central na equipa orientada por José Mourinho que conquistou o título de campeã inglesa em 2004/05, o primeiro dos «Blues» em 50 anos, e que lançou o clube para o topo. Foram 13 épocas em Stamford Bridge, com mais de 600 jogos e 211 golos, mais do que qualquer outro jogador na história do Chelsea. Tem 106 internacionalizações pela seleção de Inglaterra.

After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer. 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. I have many people to thank. 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 NYCFC. 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, 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.

A video posted by Frank Lampard (@franklampard) on