Frank Lampard has expressed his love for Chelsea and his gratitude towards owner Roman Abramovich after signing a new one-year contract to extend his 12-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
After a season of uncertainty over the midfielder’s future, the Blues confirmed Lampard will remain at Stamford Bridge next season.
Lampard, who will be 35 next month and captained Chelsea in Wednesday’s Europa League final win over Benfica, will stay on for a 13th campaign after the impasse over his future came to an end.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” Lampard said.
“Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We’ve been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.
“I want to thank Mr Abramovich for everything he’s done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.
“The thought of helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years is all I ever wanted.”
The England midfielder joined from West Ham in 2001 for £11 million and built a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder of the highest calibre.
Confirmation of his new deal caps a stunning week for Lampard, who last Saturday scored twice in the Barclays Premier League win over Aston Villa to surpass Bobby Tambling’s 43-year-old mark as Chelsea record goalscorer.
Lampard has scored 17 times this season to take his total Chelsea tally to 203 goals.
He follows England left-back Ashley Cole in signing a contract extension.