PHILADELPHIA – Frank Lampard has made it clear: His preference is to remain at Chelsea over a move to MLS.
The English midfielder stated as much in a Tuesday press conference ahead of the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at PPL Park.
“I’m waiting to speak to Chelsea and we’ll see what happens,” he said. “But I’m very happy where I’m at. … I can give a lot to Chelsea and if Chelsea want me, then it’s been a very good match so far and, hopefully, it can continue.”
Lampard admits to hearing all the chatter about a possible move to MLS and the LA Galaxy. It grew when he was spotted in a suite with David Beckham a few weeks back, taking in a Galaxy game at The Home Depot Center while on holiday.
But Lampard says that seeing his name in the papers is no surprise. He realizes that his age and an expiring contract are what fuel the rumors.
“The reality for me is that I’ve just turned 34 years old and it’s different from when I was 25,” he said. “Chelsea came to me and offered me a contract earlier [when he was younger]. It’s different when you’re older. You’re in a different bracket. The speculation comes purely from that.”
But Lampard is not about to close any doors. Although his wish would be to remain a Chelsea player, he wants to make sure everyone knows that all options are on the table – but only if a Chelsea return is not in the cards.
“I’m very happy to play there at the top level in England with what I have done already at the club and what I‘m trying to continue to do,” he said. “If there was ever a time when Chelsea didn’t want my services … that might be the case then, but as I’m thinking now, I’m very happy at Chelsea.”
