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Frank Lampard reveals Chelsea have not approached him over new contract

England midfielder admits Chelsea days are numbered

James Wrigley
Friday 14 December 2012 00:00 GMT
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Frank Lampard has revealed he is still waiting for Chelsea to open negotiations with him about a new contract.

The England midfielder's deal expires in the summer and he is increasingly concerned that he is being left on the fringes as Rafa Benitez, the club's interim manager, looks to reshape his team.

Lampard, 34, returned from a calf injury against Sunderland last Saturday and came on as a substitute in Chelsea's 3-1 win against Monterrey in Yokohama.

Benitez has already publicly indicated that Chelsea are unlikely to retain the midfielder's services after 11 years at Stamford Bridge, but it would still be a surprise if no negotiations were to take place.

The England midfielder, who could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from next month and has been linked with a move to LA Galaxy, said: "Talks about one-year extension, two-year extension don't exist. At the minute nothing has been said.

"I feel like I've had a good year, particularly from where we were in February [when manager Andre Villas-Boas was removed] to playing, what I like to think, was a big part.

"I can't predict anything but I feel like I have two or three years at least in me at the top level. It is not for me to decide on this one. It's up to the club.Whatever happens, I have had a great time at Chelsea. The ball is in their court. "

John Obi Mikel today broke his silence over the Mark Clattenburg affair, declaring: "I am glad it is over." He also insisted he would have "no problem" playing in a match refereed by Clattenburg, despite having effectively accused the official of racially abusing him during a match against Manchester United in October. Mikel said: "I think now it is done I am glad it is over. I am sure he is glad it is over as well and the FA is glad it is all put to bed and we can move on from here."

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