Frank Lampard Signs New Contract

England midfielder Frank Lampard ended speculation over his future on Wednesday by signing a new five-year contract with Chelsea.

Lampard had just one year left on his previous agreement and British papers have been reporting for months that he was considering a move to Italy or Spain because he was unhappy with the offer Chelsea had made him.

Inter Milan, which is coached by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, was rumoured to be his most likely destination, but Lampard has decided to extend his seven-year stay with the Blues.

"I've just turned 30 and I see it as my final big contract and I will play out my days at Chelsea," Lampard said.

Chelsea had reportedly offered Lampard a four-year contract, with the player holding out for a longer deal.

"It has taken a while to get the deal done and there has been a bit of compromise on both sides," Lampard said.

Lampard joined Chelsea from West Ham in 2001 for 11 million pounds (US$20.5 million), which was seen to be a huge fee for a player unproven at the highest level.

But he went on to establish himself as the key figure in an expensively assembled midfield, scoring 110 goals in 369 appearances for the Blues.

Lampard was also England's player of the year in 2004, with his form causing him to be linked to Juventus, FC Barcelona and Inter.

Chelsea turned down approaches from Inter over the past two months, with new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari keen to incorporate Lampard into his plans for the next few years.

"He is a key player for me and vital to Chelsea's future successes," Scolari said. "Frank is one of the best professionals I have worked with. Every day he tries to learn something and bring new elements to his game."

Source: Canadian Press