Frank Lampard announced his retirement on Thursday and the end of his 21-year playing career attracted acclaim and admiration from friends and old rivals.
The 38-year-old received a glowing tribute from John Terry, his long-time friend and Chelsea team-mate.
Lampard hinted at his future career direction in his retirement statement after revealing he declined offers to continue playing.
That leaves open the prospect of a return to Chelsea, who have long stated a desire to retain a lasting affinity with players of Lampard’s generation, through ambassadorial, commercial or coaching roles.
Although with Antonio Conte’s side nine points clear and favourites for the Premier League title, Lampard will likely have to wait to fulfil his ambition of managing the Blues.
Harry Redknapp responds to a fan who questioned his decision to put Frank Lampard into West Ham's first team. pic.twitter.com/gA4za9FWmt
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) February 2, 2017
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard retired last November and has since taken up a role with the Reds’ academy. A similar role at Chelsea would offer a possible route into management for Lampard.
Here’s a look at some of the best stats he compiled and goals he scored over his remarkable career.
Frank Lampard's career
— Uber Football Facts (@UberFootbalI) February 2, 2017
1019 games π΅
302 goals β½οΈ
3 Premier Leagues πππ
4 FA Cups ππππ
2 League Cups ππ
1 UCL π
1 Europa League π
Legend ππΌ pic.twitter.com/gOa7SIlTWz
Is Frank Lampard the best midfielder in the history of the Premier League?
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 2, 2017
His numbers give him a very strong claim to the title... π pic.twitter.com/62mjh7kFNd
Frank Lampard through the ages in the #PL pic.twitter.com/tk0A9IGizo
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2017
A collection of Frank Lampard's best goals in a #ThreeLions shirt from down the years. π https://t.co/mqrhsjqR8l
— England (@England) February 2, 2017
Cometh the hour, cometh the man!
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2017
Remember this Frank Lampard #PL goal, @ChelseaFC fans? pic.twitter.com/gT1UYVVVmv
24 - Frank Lampard assisted @didierdrogba for 24 @premierleague goals, a record for one player to another. Vision. pic.twitter.com/t58Yk2FJZC
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2017
211 - Frank Lampard is @ChelseaFC's all-time top goalscorer with 211 goals. Legend. pic.twitter.com/TheW3s2TQq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2017
100 - Frank Lampard is one of three players to record both 100+ goals & 100+ assists in PL history (also Ryan Giggs & Wayne Rooney). Elite. pic.twitter.com/Fq8sgP1fsy
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2017
Captain in back-to-back #UCL & #UEL final wins with Chelsea, Frank Lampard retires from football. π
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 2, 2017
UEFA club appearances 132 πͺ
Goals 29 β½οΈ pic.twitter.com/bL7SPA8K0x
41 β Frank Lampard scored more goals from outside the box than any other player in @premierleague history (41). Rocket. pic.twitter.com/W4ON3d7a9f
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2017
39 - Frank Lampard scored against a record 39 different teams in @premierleague history. Super. pic.twitter.com/sn1OETePT0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2017
Most goals in Premier League history:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 2, 2017
Alan Shearer (260)
Wayne Rooney (195)
Andy Cole (187)
Frank Lampard (177)
Chelsea legend π pic.twitter.com/E8KQaUW1Mw