Chelsea midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge

The 35-year-old England international, Chelsea's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals, was out of contract.Since joining from West Ham in 2001, Lampard has won 11 major trophies, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2012."This club has become part of my life," said Lampard, who is with the England squad in Miami ahead of the World Cup.He has yet to decide if he will retire, but has had offers from 16 other clubs - however, none will be considered until after the tournament in Brazil finishes.After signing for a fee of £11m, Lampard made 649 appearances for Chelsea, who also won four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League in his time at the west London club.He had signed a one-year contract extension in May 2013, and made 40 appearances this season under Jose Mourinho.Lampard, son of West Ham defender Frank Lampard senior, first played for England in October 1999.He has scored 29 goals in 103 international appearances, and played at Euro 2004 as well as World Cups in 2006 and 2010.Manchester City midfielder James Milner paid tribute to his England team-mate and said: "He has been outstanding for club and country and never seems to have an off season."He is a top player, a top professional and the sort we need for the World Cup. I would have thought there will be plenty of Premier League clubs after him next season. He is certainly not finished."Lampard's Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole, 33, is also out of contract and set to leave after eight years at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea FC's official website said Lampard "helped change the way football views the modern central midfield player" and that he leaves with the club's "enormous gratitude". (BBC)Bakudaily.az