Former Chelsea man and England talisman Frank Lampard has called it time on his international career after serving the national team for more than a decade. The English veteran midfielder has announced his retirement from international duties. He played his last game for the Three Lions side against Costa Rica in a 0-0 Group D match at the Estadio Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte during the FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign in Brazil.
The 36-year-old amassed as many as 29 goals, winning 106 caps after making his debut in 1999 against Belgium and went to play at three World Cups (2006, 2010 & 2014) and two European Championships to follow fellow countryman Steven Gerrard into international retirement.
The strikingly dangerous midfielder is the sixth most capped English fottballer.
England's most capped footballers
125: Peter Shilton
107: Ashley Cole
115: David Beckham
106: Bobby Charlton, Frank Lampard
114: Steven Gerrard
105: Billy Wright
108: Bobby Moore
Lampard was released by London club Chelsea FC after spending 13 long years at Stamford Bridge this summer to join new MLS franchise New York City, before agreeing to a short-term (six-month) deal to join the Premier League champions, Manchester City.
Current England team coach Roy Hodgson was all praises for the retired midfielder. Hodgson paid tribute to Lampard, where he told the Football Association website that he was a superb representative both on and off the pitch.
"To reach in excess of 100 international caps is something very few professionals achieve and he is in exalted company," Hodgson said. "He has served the national team quite brilliantly during his 15-year international career."
Hodgson said that he had discussed with Lampard about his City joining but was quick to clarify that he did not make an attempt to influence his decision or change his mind.
"It is with regret that I accept and understand the decision he’s made. I wish him the best of luck with Manchester City and New York City and I’d like to thank him for all the help he’s provided for me during my time as England manager."
Former English footballer Gary Lineker too vouched for Lampard's footbaling quality.
Lampard who at Stamford Bridge was known as 'Fat Frank' plays as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or defensive midfielder.
"I have taken the decision to retire from international football," he said in a media statement released by his management company on Tuesday. "It has been a very tough decision for me to make which is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup. I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt."
Lampard stressed on the importance of treating his family as his priority he will soon begin playing in the United States. He will concentrate all his efforts and energies on performing well at club football level.
"It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players that we have coming through, and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, that we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves."
He thanked and acknowledged the support of his fans who traveled with the team around the world, the players who he has been lucky to play alongside and all the managers who he has worked under. He also wished the team good luck for their UEFA Euro Cup 2016 campaign.
Initial years of the making of a legend and career highlights
Frank James Lampard is Chelsea's all-time leading goal scorer (203 goals and 211 goals overall in all competitions) and is one of the best midfielders of his generation. Previous record goal-scorer Bobby Tambling describes him as Chelsea's greatest ever player, and long-term teammate John Terry echoes similar sentiments. Lampard broke Tamling's record after scoring against Aston Villa.
Lampard began his career at West Ham United. He managed to fit into the first team by the 1997–98 season, and in 1999 helped the team finish 5th in the Premier League, the highest-ever position acquired in Premier League. He made a switch in 2001 to rival London club Chelsea for £11 million.
In 2008 he signed a contract to become the highest-paid Premier League footballer at that time.
- Clubs: West Ham 1995-2001, Swansea (on loan) 1995-96, Chelsea 2001-2014, New York City 2014-present (currently on loan at Man City)
- Appearances: 844 goals: 251
- Premier League titles: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10
- FA Cup wins: 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12
- League Cup wins: 2004-05, 2006-07
- Champions League win: 2011-12
- Europa League win: 2012-13
- England caps: 106 and goals: 29
Glimpses into a few Lampard goals and best moments that can be savoured:
1. Chelsea - Everton 2-1, FA Cup Final (30/05/2009)
2. Chelsea 2-0 Bolton (30/4/ 2005). Reebok Stadium Lampard considers his second against Bolton to be his favourite as the goal sealed Chelsea’s first title for 50 years.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}