Former England international, Frank Lampard retires from football

Former England international, Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38 after a 21-year playing career.

The former Chelsea midfielder last played for New York City FC and left the club following the expiration of his contract last summer.

Lampard who had a 20-year Premier League career came through the youth ranks at boyhood club West Ham United, before moving to Chelsea in 2001 where he spent 13 years, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Europa league and a Champions League and also became the club's record goal scorer before making the switch to Manchester City in the 2014-15- season.

Lampard made over 600 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea and scored 211 times for the club. He was also capped 106 times for England
 
In a lengthen Instagram post, Lampard wrote;

"After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer."

"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."

"I have many people to thank. I thank my parents for instilling in me the values of hard work, dedication and professionalism, values which I have carried with me in everything that I do.

"I would like to thank the amazing team-mates, coaches, managers and backroom staff that I was privileged to work with. I’d also like to pay tribute to the clubs that I have represented. Firstly, West Ham United who gave me my debut in 1996. Thanks to the people there that believed in me at that young age.

"More recently, Manchester City and NYCFC. I greatly enjoyed my last playing years at these two clubs and really appreciate the support I received from City Football Group and both clubs’ fans.

"Of course, the largest part of my heart belongs to Chelsea, a club which has given me so many great memories. I will never forget the opportunity they gave me and the success that we managed to achieve together. It is impossible to give thanks individually to all the people that helped and supported me in my 13 years playing there.

 "All I can say is from the day I signed until now and going forward, I'm eternally grateful for everything and to everyone. Chelsea fans gave myself and my teammates such incredible support. Their passion and hunger drove me on personally to give my best year after year."

"I couldn't have done it without them."

"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," he said.

"Looking forward, I'm grateful to the FA (Football Association) for the opportunity to study for my coaching qualifications and I look forward to pursuing the off-field opportunities that this decision opens."