Frank Lampard confirms he is leaving Chelsea

Over the weekend a bit of a bombshell was dropped on the soccer world after some news out of the new Major League Soccer team, New York City FC. They reportedly added a pair of European superstars, David Villa and Chelsea’s Frank Lampard.

More from Soccer

• LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26
• USWNT vs. Vietnam: Key takeaways before they take on the Dutch
• Caesars, BetMGM and PointsBet Promo Codes Give $1,850 Bonus for ANY World Cup or MLB Game!
• LeBron James, Giannis, Damian Lillard all want that Mbappé money
• Is this Alex Morgan’s last Women’s World Cup with the USWNT?

Lampard confirmed that he would be leaving Chelsea but didn’t say specifically that he was headed to NYCFC. Given the timing of the two reports it would seem as if that is where he is headed.

“When I arrived at this fantastic club 13 years ago I would never have believed that I would be fortunate enough to play so many games and enjoy sharing in so much success,” Lampard said in a statement, via Sky Sports.

“This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity. Firstly, Ken Bates, who put his neck on the line to sign me as a young player and without him I would not have even begun this experience.

“Roman Abramovich, the man who saved our Club and took us all to new levels. His desire to push the Club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone.

“All the managers and coaches who have helped me develop my game during the time I have been here. I have learnt from every one of them.

“All the brilliant team mates who I have been lucky enough to train and play alongside for so long. Not just their football qualities but also the friendships I have gained along the way.

“I’d also like to give a special mention to all the staff and people behind the scenes at the club who do not receive the glory but without them the Club would simply not function.

“The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons.

“Finally and most importantly, I would like to thank the Chelsea fans. I believe they are the greatest fans in world football. You have supported me from the moment I arrived. Not only on the pitch, but in difficult moments in my personal life off the pitch. I will never forget.

“I feel honoured to have shared so many special times with you. Bolton, Amsterdam, Munich, the list goes on and on. I, and we as a team, could not have achieved those moments without your support.

“Whatever the next challenge is for me I will always be amongst you and have Chelsea in my home and in my heart. Hopefully I will get to see you all soon to say goodbye properly. In the meantime thank you for the memories and keep making history!”