MIAMI — England midfielder Frank Lampard is set to head to the World Cup without a club after announcing Monday that he is leaving Chelsea.
The 35-year-old Lampard has been at Chelsea for 13 years and is the club’s all-time leading scorer but has not agreed to a new deal with the Premier League team. Lampard is currently with England in Miami for two World Cup warm-up matches before traveling to Brazil on Saturday.
“When I arrived at this fantastic club 13 years ago I would never have believed that I would be fortunate enough to play so many games and enjoy sharing in so much success,” Lampard said. “This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity.”
Lampard did not say where he expects to play next season, but has long been linked with a move to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Lampard, who moved across London from West Ham in 2001, leaves Stamford Bridge with 211 goals in 648 appearances. He won the Premier League three times, the Champions League and Europa League once each, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
“The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons, Lampard said.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was singled out for praise, with Lampard calling the Russian tycoon “the man who saved our club and took us all to new levels” following his 2003 takeover.
“His desire to push the club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone,” Lampard said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.