Lampard staying with Chelsea
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Article summary
England midfield player Frank Lampard has signed a new five-year contract with the Premiership side.
Article body
Key player
The deal was completed in Seattle during the club's pre-season tour of the United States. Lampard, who was voted Chelsea's player of the year in the 2003/04 season, has played a major role in their recent successes, notably reaching last season's UEFA Champions League semi-final and finishing Premiership runners-up.
Happy to stay
"I am really pleased to have agreed the new deal," said Lampard. I was always sure I wanted to stay and I was sure the club wanted me to stay. The talks have always been amicable and now it is settled we can all look forward to what should be a great season." Despite spending only three seasons at Stamford Bridge since leaving West Ham United FC, Lampard has already made 113 Premiership appearances for the London club, scoring 21 goals.
International class
The 26-year-old Lampard, who has just been made the club's vice-captain to John Terry, impressed for England at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal, scoring three goals in four games to earn a place in the 23-man All-Star Squad. He now has a total of five goals in 23 internationals for his country.