Frank Lampard has turned down a move to Major League Soccer and instead signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea.
There has been speculation about Lampards future all season, but his form has caused Chelsea to reconsider their stance, and offer Lampard a new one-year deal. The announcement was made this morning after he captained the Blues in last night’s Europa League final win over Benfica in Amsterdam.
Lampard, who will be 35 next month, said on www.chelseafc.com:
“I’m absolutely delighted. 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. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lampard has been in terrific form recently and last week he became Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer. If he maintains his level of play next season, Lampard should make the England squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, something that I am sure played heavily in his decision to stay at Chelsea.
So good news for Chelsea fans, but where does that leave the LA Galaxy? They have an open Designated Player spot (David Beckham’s spot), and it is hard to imagine them not using it. But with Lampard off the market, what other big name player could the Galaxy target? Kaka will be available this season, but that will not happen unless he takes a massive paycut from his current €10m a year wages.
Who do you think the Galaxy should sign?
