Frank Lampard Announces He Won't Return to Chelsea Next Season

Frank Lampard has confirmed that he won't return to Chelsea next season as his contract is set to expire at the end of June. Sky News' Kay Burley quotes the England midfielder in bidding a heartfelt goodbye to Stamford Bridge and its fans:Lampard moved to Chelsea from West Ham in 2001, and since he's gone on to win three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, four FA Cups, two League Cups and numerous individual awards, including scoring a club-record 211 goals.Soon to turn 36, the veteran playmaker is far from his prime, but BBC Sport's David Ornstein claims that a raft of interest surrounds Lampard:Lampard's scoring statistics are put into context by OptaJoe, highlighting just what a rare pedigree he possesses:One of the 16 clubs mentioned by Ornstein known to be admirers of Lampard is Major League Soccer's New York City FC, who will compete in their first MLS season in March 2015.The Guardian's Dominic Fifield explains that the New York outfitfounded and financed by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansourwould be willing to offer the soon-to-be out-of-contract Lampard a longer-term deal than most to bring him stateside.Lampard would presumably command wages similar to those he currently earns were he to accept the deal, but it could mean he opts to take a form of sabbatical in the coming months, unless another short-term offer were to arise.Fifield goes on to report that La Liga champion David Villa is thought to have already agreed a 5 million transfer to New York City FC, and was allegedly seen having a medical at Manchester's Bridgewater Hospital.Mansour appears intent on developing a star-studded line-up with his new project, of which Lampard could be another valuable, albeit very seasoned, addition.As Ornstein states, Lampard will leave all decisions until after the World Cup in Brazil, however, giving him plenty of time to mull over the options laid in front of him.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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