Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole: Both out of contract at Chelsea in the summer
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Rafael Benitez has moved to clarify his comments on veteran Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
The Spaniard was widely quoted as saying he believed the England internationals would leave Stamford Bridge in the summer when questioned about their futures shortly after taking charge of the club.
However, Benitez insists his comments were misinterpreted and says that while the pair are out of contract at the end of this season they could yet be offered new contracts at the club.
He told the club's official website: "When I was asked the other day, maybe it was a misunderstanding or maybe my English was not good enough, but the situation I know is that they are finishing their contracts [in the summer]. Past that, I do not know.
"I know that Frank is happy here and he is a player that is part of the leadership, he is one of the important players, but I do not know about his future.
"So I cannot say yes or no, he will stay or he will leave, in January or even at the end of the season. At this moment, I do not know."
Benitez met with the Chelsea board on Friday to discuss his squad but he says the meeting was focused on potential transfer targets.
"We didn't talk about any players going," he said. "The board were asking me about players coming but not about any players leaving."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8302562/Frank-Lampard-and-Ashley-Cole-could-still-have-futures-at-Chelsea-beyond-the-current-season