Lampard grateful for support

Frank Lampard has thanked the Chelsea fans for their constant support and helping him to enjoy football while his future remains up in the air.

The 34-year-old has already enshrined himself in club folklore, having played a key part in the Blues' many successes since his arrival in 2001. Talk has been rife that Lampard's long association with Chelsea will end this summer when his contract expires, although he wants to stay and it is thought there has been some recent contact between player and club.

"They supported me throughout my career here and particularly in recent weeks," he said of the Chelsea fans. "The way they were with me then is the way they have been recently and all the time I've been here. I just wanted to say thanks back."

It would certainly be welcomed by team-mates like John Terry as well as supporters, who yet again sang 'Sign him up, sign him up' during yesterday's 5-1 FA Cup third round win at Southampton.

Lampard netted the fifth goal of the afternoon to become the club's joint second highest scorer of all time and looked particularly emotional during his celebrations.

He added: "That is our platform to say thanks back when we're on the pitch, to first of all do the business because they pay the money to come and watch and when they have been so good to me, just to say it back to them. That is genuinely how I feel.

"This club has been amazing to me and the club is the fans so I can only thank them. I am enjoying my football, I have to say. I am enjoying the moment. I know there is a lot of talking going around but I am actually really enjoying playing.

"That's what it is all about really so even if there is certain things going on your head, I think when I run out there and the fans support me the way I do, it can't help but make you a bit emotional."

The penalty took Lampard up to 193 goals, equalling Kerry Dixon's record for the club and putting him joint second behind Bobby Tambling's haul of 202.

"It meant a lot as I have so much respect for Kerry," Lampard said. "He was a player, is still a personality around the place and a good friend of mine. To get anywhere near him and with level I am I am very proud that."

Source : http://www.football.co.uk/chelsea/lampard_grateful_for_support_rss3655376.shtml