Harry Redknapp has opened the door for Frank Lampard to spend a short stint at Queens Park Rangers after the midfielder confirmed he would leave Chelsea this summer following 13 years with the club.
Lampard thanked Chelsea for a hugely successful period during which he became one of the most prolific midfielders of the modern era and has held talks about a move to the US franchise New York City, a club backed financially by the Manchester City owner, Sheikh Mansour. New York City will not play their first match until March 2015, opening the prospect of him starting next season with an English club.
Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals is out of contract at the end of June and although a new deal was on offer at Stamford Bridge it was on a reduced wage. The 35-year-old, who won three Premier League titles and a Champions League with Chelsea, was not expected to feature as a first-team regular under José Mourinho next season.
Lampard is in Miami with Roy Hodgson’s England squad to prepare for the World Cup but met New York officials on Saturday and could be convinced to join the new Major League Soccer team, who have already signed David Villa from Atlético Madrid.
Redknapp, Lampard’s uncle, has been linked with the player after his QPR side secured promotion to the Premier League following a victory over Derby County in the Championship play-off final and said that his nephew was still “worth his weight in gold” to any team. He said at the launch of 666bet.com: “I think Roy feels the same. You need good characters around whether it is England or your football club. You’ve got [Steven] Gerrard, you’ve got Lampard – you’ve got proper guys there that the young guys can look up to. They are leaders.”
Redknapp believes Lampard can still perform to a high standard in the Premier League and opened the door for a potential short-term deal with QPR. When discussing the MLS season and how players in that league start the campaign in March, Redknapp added with wry humour: “Is it really as long as that? I suppose he’ll have to go to QPR.”
Lampard released a statement confirming his departure from Chelsea that read: “When I arrived at this fantastic club 13 years ago I would never have believed that I would be fortunate enough to play so many games and enjoy sharing in so much success. This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity.
“Firstly, Ken Bates, who put his neck on the line to sign me as a young player and without him I would not have even begun this experience. Roman Abramovich, the man who saved our club and took us all to new levels. His desire to push the club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone.
“The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons.
“Finally and most importantly, I would like to thank the Chelsea fans. I believe they are the greatest fans in world football. You have supported me from the moment I arrived. Not only on the pitch, but in difficult moments in my personal life off the pitch. I will never forget.
“I feel honoured to have shared so many special times with you. Bolton, Amsterdam, Munich, the list goes on and on. I, and we as a team, could not have achieved those moments without your support. Whatever the next challenge is for me I will always be amongst you and have Chelsea in my home and in my heart. Hopefully I will get to see you all soon to say goodbye properly.”
Lampard has been synonymous with Chelsea’s success over the past 13 years and is regarded by Hodgson as a key, senior member of his World Cup squad with 103 caps. The national vice-captain is not expected to start England’s opening match against Italy in Manaus on 14 June but could be used off the bench throughout the tournament.