Craig Ruttle/AP/Press Association Images
So, the writing had been on the wall for the Chelsea top-scorer for a while. The 211-goal Chelsea midfielder may have made 40 appearances in all competitions last term, but it was a campaign dominated by speculation regarding his future. Having managed to earn a one-year contract extension the year before, the club hadn’t looked like making any similar moves during the last campaign. However, it still came as a hard-hitting pang to Chelsea supporters, as they felt an instant lump in the back of their throat when their 13-season servant was confirmed as having left the club on June 3.
”In January time, it looked like I might be leaving. I would say that from January to March-April, I thought this would be my last season for Chelsea. There were a couple of opportunities to stay here in the Premier League but I can’t imagine playing for anyone else after being 12 years at Chelsea. I’ve got a lot of respect for a lot of other Premier League clubs, particularly the top ones, but I’m not sure I could have done that.’’ – Frank Lampard, May 2014.
Four months later, and Lampard would put himself in the uncomfortable position of solemnly trudging away from goal, having netted a late equaliser against Chelsea – in the sky blue of Manchester City. Having shocked Chelsea supporters by signing for their title rivals on loan from New York City FC, he clearly had a change of heart.
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