Lampard, the true blue
End of an era: Frank Lampard in a file shot
Frank Lampard’s eventful tenure at Chelsea is drawing to a close. The noises emanating from Stamford Bridge indicate that the dynamic midfielder may not go out in a blaze of glory at the end of this season when his contract expires.
It would be a PR disaster if Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich allows one of the club’s talismans to leave in acrimony. Lampard may not be a Messi in talent and a Beckham in marketability but he certainly deserves a decent farewell for his industry and earnestness. Even at the height of the cash-strewn Roman era and in the midst of expensive imports, it was difficult to envisage a Chelsea playing XI without Lampard.
Along with John Terry, the midfielder formed the spine of the Blues during a glorious decade that saw them win three league titles. The role played by Lampard in transforming the most fashionable club in London into a successful one can never be questioned. It helped that he is an Englishman. There is nothing better for fans in club football than embracing a homegrown hero. Anelkas can come for a price and go on a whim but they never stay in the hearts of fans.
Lampard is every inch a modern footballer. His tireless box-to-box running, willingness to shoulder multiple roles and ability to score crucial goals made him an indispensable member of a highly successful Chelsea team. For a guy who isn’t outrageously talented he has to work harder than others and Lampard does that week in week out even in the evening of his career. Jose Mourinho was an ardent admirer of Lampard during his Chelsea days. The Portuguese loves players who would fit into his system. He also values those putting team above self.
Is Lampard over the hill? At 34, his best years are behind him but he can still be useful to any Premier League team. Even Alex Ferguson is said to be keen on bringing the Chelsea star to Old Trafford. Andrea Pirlo, one of the most influential midfielders of this era, has said he would welcome Lampard with open arms at Juventus.
Chelsea fans have made their affection for Lampard public in recent days. Placards are springing up all over Bridge in support of a loyal servant. But Abramovich isn’t known to be a sentimentalist. The Russian in fact revels in driving home the point that he is the boss. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have shown Robert Di Matteo the door to bring in the hugely unpopular Rafa Benitez. But he must ensure that Lampard goes on a high. Club football is a ruthless business these days but the empire is built on tribal loyalties.
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