• Premier League

Lampard signs one-year Chelsea extension

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has signed a new one-year contract extension with the club.

Lampard, the club's all-time record goalscorer, clinched the new deal the day after he helped the Blues to victory in the final of the Europa League.

The 34-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge looked severely in doubt earlier in the season, with reports from the club suggesting owner Roman Abramovich was adamant he would not be offered an extension. However, the England international's high standard of play over the second half of the season has evidently caused a rethink among the club hierarchy.

"I'm absolutely delighted," Lampard said. "Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We've been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.

"I want to thank Mr Abramovich for everything he's done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived."

Lampard is one of just three players to make over 600 appearances for the club, breaking Bobby Tambling's long-standing goalscoring record earlier in May.

"Frank has been an important player for Chelsea Football Club for a long time and has played a significant part in the club's success," chief executive Ron Gourlay said.

"We have been talking to him since the end of last year and our discussions have been entirely positive throughout. We are delighted we are now announcing an extension to his contract which will keep him at the club until 2014."

The Blues signed Lampard for £11 million from the Hammers 12 years ago, and he has since gone on to lift three Premier League titles, the FA Cup four times, the Champions League last season and, most recently, the Europa League this week.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.