• Premier League

Ancelotti rubbishes Lampard exit talk

Soccernet staff
May 17, 2010
Frank Lampard played a key part as Chelsea secured the Double © Getty Images
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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists claims that Jose Mourinho will make Frank Lampard his No. 1 transfer target for next season are nothing short of "a joke".

Lampard has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, scoring 22 Premier League goals and 27 in all competitions as Chelsea won the league and FA Cup Double.

Mourinho remains good friends with Lampard after his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, and was linked with a move for the midfielder two years ago when he first took charge at Inter Milan.

It is not yet clear whether Mourinho will be at Inter next season, with his fractious relationship with the Italian media making for a troubled time in Serie A despite winning back-to-back Scudettos. Mourinho is believed to be on Real Madrid's radar if, as expected, they dispense with the services of Manuel Pellegrini after finishing second to Barcelona in the Liga title race.

But Ancelotti believes this latest story is just more media hype designed to fill column inches.

"This story is a joke,'' said Ancelotti. "Lampard will stay here. When I started last season there was a problem with John Terry and Manchester City.

"Every time I said 'no, John Terry will stay here because he is important'. I don't want to do the same with Frank Lampard. He will stay here.''

And Ancelotti insisted he himself would be at Chelsea for years to come.

"If every season is like this one I would like to stay here for maybe 10 years,'' he said. "I am ready to sign a new contract. It is better to have stability for the club and also for the manager. It is not easy to change every year.''

Ancelotti suggested that, despite being handed a transfer budget for the summer, he would not be making too many changes.

"I don't know what areas I need to strengthen,'' he said. "We have a lot of players injured who will be ready for next season, including Jose Bosingwa and Michael Essien.

"We don't need a lot of changes but maybe one or two players could arrive.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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