Por medio de un extenso pero emotivo mensaje en su cuenta de Instagram, Frank Lampard comunicó al mundo futbolero que decidió retirarse definitivamente de los terrenos de juego después de 21 años de una exitosa carrera.

Entre los clubes que militó estuvieron el West Ham, Chelsea, Manchester City y New York City FC y también la selección de Inglaterra pero para el jugador de 38 años la mejor época sin dudas fue con los ‘blues’.

Ahí se hizo una figura mundial ganando todos los trofeos posibles a nivel de clubes como la Champions que ganaron de visitante ante el Bayern Munich, una Europa League, tres Premier League, cuatro FA Cup, dos Copas de la Liga y dos Community Shield.

Anotó -siendo volante- más de 300 goles en su carrera. Así empezaba el comunicado:

«Después de 21 años increíbles, he decidido que es el momento indicado para terminar mi carrera como futbolista profesional. Pese a que he recibido varias ofertas muy tentadoras, tanto de equipos de casa como del extranjero, a los 38 años de edad creo que es el momento de empezar un nuevo capítulo en mi vida», apuntó.

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 NYCFC. 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, 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.

Un vídeo publicado por Frank Lampard (@franklampard) el

Artículos relacionadosMás del autor