Frank Lampard - goodbye?

First of all, I'd just like to say sorry for the lack of articles I've been able to post during the exam period. I finished my exams on the 23/01/13, and therefore will look to post regularly again. Another thing is that the 9th saw my 1 year anniversary on blogger. I'd just like to say thank you to each and every one of you that has shared, liked or even read my blog, it means a lot.


Abramovich is reluctant to offer Lampard a new contract



Frank Lampard has been attracting a lot of attention in the media recently, with his contract set to run out in June. Despite pledges that he'll cut his wages in half, Lampard's future is very much in doubt. 12 years worth of loyalty to the club, 583 appearances and 195 goals have seemed to have gone unnoticed by Roman Abramovich, who seems more then happy then to watch the club legend leave on a free transfer. However at 34 years of age, it is questionable how much the legendary midfielder has got left to give, and so, is Frank Lampard's time at Chelsea rightfully up?

Frank Lampard is the epitome of Chelsea's success in recent years. He's been a vital cog in the system for just over 12 years, with his energy and goal scoring ability proving to be a valuable weapon for the west London side over the years. He's appeared an incredible 583 times for the club, and has shown no signs of decline. On top of that, he has earned the respect of players and managers alike all across the world. On top of his illustrious club career, Lampard has accumulated 93 caps for the 3 lions, in the process bagging a further 26 goals. These are incredible stats for a man who has been a regular for both England and Chelsea in his playing career, and whilst showing no signs of ageing, he can still offer some vital experience and much needed goals for his team for at least a few more years.


Frank Lampard has been pivotal in Chelsea's recent success,
helping them win the Champions League final in May 2012



But despite Chelsea's recent woes, it seems as if their adamant that releasing the influential midfielder is the right decision. In a year where Torres has been misfiring up front for the blues, an emphasis on goals from midfield has never been more important. Lampard has scored 15 or more goals for Chelsea in 8 of his last 9 seasons, and is on course to break the 15 goal mark again this year; despite numerous setbacks whereby 'Lamps' has had to make do with a place on the bench. This huge amount of goals has propelled Chelsea to success in recent years, and has played a huge factor in Chelsea's 3 Premier League seasons, as well as playing a huge part in the Blues first ever Champions League wining campaign last season.

It's not just the goals that Lampard provides which is vital to Chelsea, but his experience is also key to the team. Once considered an ageing team, Chelsea have rid of their ageing players over the years, with the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard replacing players such as Florent Malouda and Michael Essien in Chelsea’s first XI. Along with Ashley Cole and John Terry, the trio form a solid basis to a Chelsea team that has benefited from having these world class players over the years. If you were to get rid of Lampard, you would take away an important influential figure both on the pitch and in the dressing room, and that may have disastrous effects to the teams success.


The Chelsea fans express their feelings about the 34 year old



 But Frank Lampard has shown some decline in recent years, and isn't quite the player that he used to be. He is 35 years old in June, and his long playing career is slowly but surely starting to take its toll. Lampard was out for a long period of time at the start of the season, and having played so many games in his career, the strain put on in his body may have taken its toll. Abramovich may have recognised this and sees releasing him as an opportunity to free up the wage budget, allowing the signing of world class players with the wage freed up from his release.

But that is the only reason I can think of that justifies Lampard's release. He may only have a few years left at the highest level before he hangs up his boots, but the former West Ham player is still a world class player, and his experience and goal scoring talent is an important asset for Chelsea. In fact, I think it's quite shameful in how he's been treated. After spending 12 incredible seasons at Chelsea whereby he has imprinted his name in the clubs history, to be cast aside in the manner in which he has done is disgraceful. If I were Abramovich, I would secure Lampard's services for as long as his playing career allows. The influence he exerts cannot be matched, and therefore no reason would justify Lampard's Chelsea career being cut short so abruptly.