When it comes to football, it is inevitable that teams and players must move on one day. All good things must come to an end eventually. This was defiantly the case for, Frank Lampard. Admired and loved by all Chelsea fans. However no one would have ever imagined how things were going to turn when Frank Lampard’s contract expired at the end of the 2013-2014 season.
After becoming the clubs all-time top goal scorer, Lampard had achieved all but everything at Chelsea. He had won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup just to name a few. Even then when he was aged 35, he was still considered by many as one of the best central midfield players in the Premier League. It soon became clear that Frank Lampard would be leaving the club as a free agent at the end of the season. Mourinho justified his decision, by explaining how it would aid the development of younger players. Which gradually started to make more sense to Chelsea fans, whom slowly started to understand the change and began looking forward to a bright future.
Numerous rumours started to spread on Lampard’s next destination. Whether or not it would be a coaching role, at Chelsea or elsewhere, a move to the MLS looked likely too. It when the almost unthinkable had happened, on the 24th July 2014 Lampard agreed an 18 month contract with newly founded MLS side, New York City. New York City, a franchise owned by parent club Manchester City. Shortly after this, it was announced that Lampard would be joining tittle rivals Manchester City on a short term loan deal till January. After joining City, Lampard explained the purpose was in order for him maintain his fitness at the top level so he ready to travel to America in January.
Since joining Manchester City he has had a big impact in their chase for tittle. Lampard scored his first goal for City against none other than, Chelsea. Since that goal come up with important goals against the likes of Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday. He has currently scored five goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
After such a good start to life in Manchester, City boss Manuel Pellegrini commented on the importance of Frank to the team. Not only that, but that Lampard could extend his stay at the Ethiad to the end of the season and could also stay a second season. Since these comments Lampard has confirmed he is to stay at the club until the end of the season. Something that did not go down to kindly back in parts of London. Fan’s were questioning Lampard’s loyalty to Chelsea and whether he actually has intentions to ever play in the MLS.
Many like myself, have question how it will affect the way he will be remembered by Chelsea fans. So may we cast our minds back to the 21st September. Chelsea are winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Andre Schurrle. As the end of the game loomed, Frank Lampard came on as a sub. Receiving a huge standing ovation, primarily from Chelsea fans. The words ‘ Super Frank, Super Frank’ were sung loud and proud throughout the Etihad Stadium. For Lampard to then go and score what could lead to be a crucial goal in the title race was a slight kick in the teeth, everyone will admit that. Regardless of the fact he had just scored a fantastically taken volley in such an important game for us, he name was still sung louder than anyone else. Credit where credit is due, as the game finished 1-1, Lampard applauds the Chelsea fans for their great support. That is not where it ends though, he walked off the pitch at the Etihad to the sound of his name being sung alongside another standing ovation. It was a really surreal moment. In all honesty I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it in a football match, and I am not sure we ever will again.
As professional as the players and staff were, the fans were absolutely over whelmed to see Frank Lampard. I don’t think you can ever question his intention to ruin the legacy he left at Stamford Bridge. If anything I have gained more respect for him, not lost any. As a fan I will always remember the goals he scored against Bolton in 2004 and 2005, I will always remember the wonderfully taken volley he scored against Bayern Munich back in 2004, that left the great Oliver Kahn with no chance.
In terms of aiding the development of younger players, after being promoted from the Under 21’s we have seen Nathan Ake and Ruben Loftus Cheek feature for the club in midfield roles this season. If Lampard were still to be at Chelsea, would we be where we are now? Maybe not, given the fact that Cesc Fabregas has taken the role of replacing the gap left by Lampard. However, scoring a few goals for our tittle challengers does not outweigh the massive contribution Frank Lampard had at this football club.
For me, I cannot wait to see Frank Lampard play for City at Stamford Bridge on the 31st January. If anything, I hope he starts. Then to all the people that questioned his loyalty, will see what he means to Chelsea Football Club. I can assure that regardless of whether or not he starts on that day, his name will be cheered from the first to the last minute. He may help Manchester City win the Premier League trophy this season, even if that happens he will always be Super Frank Lampard.
