Frank Lampard announced his retirement from football this week following a hugely successful 24-year career as one of England’s most prized midfielders.
The 38-year-old will forever be compared to Steven Gerrard, who he had so many battles with for club and country but rivalries aside, Lampard delivered some of the best moments in Chelsea’s history before leaving the Premier League in 2015.
He was unable to translate his talent onto the international stage but Lampard was at the heart of some key moments throughout his career and here are just a few of the most influential…
1) First Premier League title – 2005
Lampard’s name will forever be written in history for a number of reasons but Chelsea fans will always be grateful for his brace against Bolton Wanderers which secured their first Premier League title for 50 years. He was one of their talisman in midfield that season and it was a turning point for the Blues who would go on to achieve more success in the following decade.
2) PFA Player of the Year – 2005
Following an impressive season with Chelsea, securing the Premier League and scoring 22 goals in 63 appearances, Lampard earned recognition from around the world. He picked up the PFA Player of the year award as well as the FWA Premier League player award. However, the nomination everyone remembers is the Ballon D’or runners-up title he earned ahead of Gerrard despite the Liverpool captain singe-handedly guiding his team to Champions League glory. It was one of his best seasons ever and he was regarded by many as one of the best midfielders in the world.
3) Chelsea’s record goal-scorer – 2013
The attacking midfielder will be remembered for his goals. He could always be counted upon to score in important games for his club and on occasions, his country and his name was written into folklore when he became Chelsea’s all-time highest goal-scorer in May 2013. He scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa to score his 202nd and 203rd goal of his career. His tally broke the record previously held by Bobby Tambling for almost 50 years.
4) Making his 100th appearance for England – 2013
There weren’t many bright moments in his international career. His on-field relationship with Gerrard was forever questioned and it was the Liverpool skipper who went on to captain the national side at three major tournaments. Lampard’s most memorable moment in an England shirt was his disallowed goal against Germany which forever questioned the use of goal-line technology and changed the game. However, when he made his 100th appearance for his country it was a huge honour and he joined a very prestigious group of players. Only nine players have equalled the feat – with former teammates Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Ashley Cole among them.
5) Scoring late equaliser against Chelsea for Manchester City
Lampard’s career was hugely successful with the Blues but he played one season in the Premier League with Manchester City and it was fate that he would score against in a match that involved his former club. He came on as a late substitute as City trailed 1-0 at the Etihad and scored the equalising goal to earn his side a vital point. However, he was lost for words following the occasion and he refused to celebrate in front of the Chelsea supporters. Class.
