tribalfooball.com - March 18,
2007
Frank Lampard won't consider leaving Chelsea.
"I've kept quiet about my contract situation because we are in such
an important part of the season for Chelsea," he told The Sun. "But
there has been so much written and said about me that I feel I have
to make clear what's going on as much for Chelsea fans as
myself.
"I want to stay at Chelsea. I have never wanted to leave the club
and I don't intend to. I have everything I want in life where I am
right now. For the past six years my life has been my family and
Chelsea football club. Some players can say that and it sounds
cliched or fake. I can say it because it is absolutely true. I am
very proud I play for Chelsea and of what I have achieved as part
of the team.
"I am very close to my family who play a big part in my life and my
fiancee Elen and I are expecting our second child this
summer.
"We love living in the Chelsea area and bringing our young family
up here. People seem to think I want to leave but why would
I?
"I value my relationship with the supporters very highly and they
have become part of my football family.
"I know when I am older and have finished my career I will sit
among the fans and support Chelsea with them."
Lamps admitted he was actually surprised when the club came to him
and his agent Steve Kutner last summer and said they wanted to open
talks about a new deal.
He added: "When the club came to me before the World Cup finals and
said they wanted to talk about a new deal, I was pleased. As far as
I was concerned, though, the most important thing then was
preparing with Chelsea for the new season."
Having made the offer to talk last summer, however, Lamps was
surprised when the first meeting didn't take place until just
before Christmas.
He added: "I wondered what was going on and since then there have
been a couple of meetings with Steve.
"So far, though, Chelsea have actually yet to make a proper offer
on a new deal. As I said, I am not worried about the situation but
it's frustrating when everyone else is talking about my
future."