Lampard finally seals new Chelsea contract
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard finally committed the rest of his career to the club yesterday after agreeing to a wage compromise.
The 30-year-old got the five-year deal he had insisted on, while it is understood Lampard accepted a lower salary than had been on offer for a four-year deal. Rather than earning £140,000 a week for the duration of the deal, it is thought his wages will drop towards the end of his contract.
“Thankfully we have been able to sit down and compromise a little on both sides and get it done,” said the England player, who is now effectively joint highest earner with John Terry.
Lampard admitted weighing up a move to Inter Milan, and a reunion with former Blues manager Jose Mourinho. And he said the long delay in reaching an agreement with the club was partly down to the turbulence in his personal life, having lost his mother earlier this year.
“I think everyone knows Inter Milan made a bid for me, and that was an option I had to look at,” he added. “I had to consider where I wanted to be – in London or away from London – for my own reasons, and that was a huge decision for me. It made me realise this is where I want to be.”
Chief executive Peter Kenyon said Lampard “could well be the best signing we make this summer”. But he insisted they had not given up on signing Brazil forward Robinho, with Chelsea insiders confident Real Madrid are willing to sell despite their protestations.