https://www.facebook.com/franklampard/videos/1206831346096688/
After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to
finish my career as a professional footballer. 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. 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 am forever grateful for the
support of my family, my wife Christine and my two daughters Luna and Isla.
What you have given me off the pitch has always been my strength on it. I
love you all very much. Also, my friends and my own team that have always
been there for me. 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 New York City FC.
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 Football Club, 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.
Looking forward, I'm grateful to the FA for the opportunity to study for my
coaching qualifications and I look forward to pursuing the off-field
opportunities that this decision opens.
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After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to
finish my career as a professional footballer. 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. 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 am forever grateful for the
support of my family, my wife Christine and my two daughters Luna and Isla.
What you have given me off the pitch has always been my strength on it. I
love you all very much. Also, my friends and my own team that have always
been there for me. 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 New York City FC.
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 Football Club, 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.
Looking forward, I'm grateful to the FA for the opportunity to study for my
coaching qualifications and I look forward to pursuing the off-field
opportunities that this decision opens.
--
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