You are in > manchester.com  > News > Lampard signs new Chelsea deal

General Sport

Lampard signs new Chelsea deal

13/08/2008

Frank Lampard has ended speculation over his Chelsea future by signing a new five-year contract.

The England midfielder, whose previous deal was due to expire next summer, has been repeatedly linked with a move to rejoin former Blues coach Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

But on Wednesday evening Chelsea announced a new deal for the 30-year-old, which will see him stay at the club until 2013-14.

Lampard said he was relieved to have ended protracted contract negotiations and now wanted to end his career in west London.

"It is something I've said many times and after signing this contract I am very happy and positive I will finish as a player here. I want to be a big part of the next five years and hopefully more for Chelsea," the former West Ham player said.

Reports had suggested a major stumbling block was Lampard's desire for a five-year, as opposed to four-year, deal, but he said both parties had compromised.

"It has taken a while to get the deal done and there has been a bit of compromise on both sides but I am delighted we have managed to get there," Lampard explained.

The midfielder, who has scored 110 goals in 369 appearances since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2001, said he wanted to repay fans for their support and was looking forward to the Luiz Felipe Scolari era.

New manager Scolari said he was delighted at the announcement and that he regarded Lampard as a "key player" who was vital to Chelsea's future success.

"Frank is one of the best professionals I have worked with," he said. "Every day he tries to learn something and bring new elements to his game."

Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon added: "We are very confident Frank can stay at the top level for the next five years.

"It's taken us a bit of time to get an agreement so this is a real boost going into the new season and with Felipe coming in there is a really positive atmosphere surrounding the club."

Lampard joins Petr Cech, Michael Essien and Wayne Bridge in committing their future to the club since the arrival of Brazilian Scolari.