Frank Lampard Pens New Contract

Frank Lampard has put to bed rumours surrounding his future by signing a five year contract.

Negotiations over the contract have been going on for a number of years, and Lampard's future had been called into question, with Inter Milan making a bid for his services.

However, the contract will probably be the last of his career and will keep him at Chelsea until the end of the 2013/14 season, when he will be 35 years old.

Speaking to Chelsea TV, he expressed his delight at finally putting pen to paper.

"I see it as my final big contract and I will play out my days at Chelsea," said Lampard after signing his new deal on Wednesday. "I want to finish my career at Chelsea."

"It is something I've said many times and, after signing this contract, I am very happy and positive I will finish as a player here."

"I've had seven great seasons here and now I can have many more."

Lampard also admitted that he had given serious consideration to Inter Milan's offer earlier on in the summer.

"Everyone knows Milan made a bid for me and that was something I had to look at," Lampard said.

"That was a possibility when we knew they had made an offer for me, I had to make a decision for myself and this club has been very, very good to me."

Chief executive Peter Kenyon called the contract signing a "great day" for the club.

"It's taken both Frank and the club longer than we originally thought," he said.

"These are big issues for the club, for Frank and any other player.

"Whatever has gone on I think there is that underlying desire that we get there. This is a great day for the club."

Lampard signed for Chelsea in 2001 for £11 million from West Ham United. Having initially taken a while to settle in, Lampard has become an integral part of the team, playing a huge role in the club's recent success. He has made 369 appearances and scored 110 goals.