Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer, has announced his retirement from professional football.
After coming through West Ham’s famed youth academy, Lampard enjoyed a trophy-laden 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, four FA Cups and the League Cup twice.
Following an emotional Chelsea farewell, Lampard signed for MLS side New York City in July 2014 but spent that season on loan at Manchester City, where he scored an equalising goal against his old club Chelsea and refused to celebrate.
Lampard made 106 appearances for England, scoring 29 goals – his last cap coming against Costa Rica in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup.
Announcing his retirement via a lengthy Facebook post, Lampard wrote: “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.
