Frank Lampard signs one-year contract extension with Chelsea to end speculation

The England midfielder captained the Blues to Europa League glory last night

Frank Lampard (GETTY IMAGES)

Frank Lampard has ended all the speculation over his future by agreeing a new one-year deal with Chelsea.

The midfielder's future has been up in the air all season with his previous deal set to end this summer. Despite another fine season in which he has passed Bobby Tambling's all-time goal-scoring record for Chelsea, the club had appeared less than forthcoming in tying him to the club.

Yet the mood had noticeably changed in recent months and following last night's victory over Benfica in Amsterdam, the player himself appeared more positive than at any time before that he would remain in west London, telling reporters that it "looks good" that he would.

After agreeing the new deal, Lampard told Chelsea's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted. Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We've been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.

"I want to thank Mr Abramovich for everything he's done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.

"The thought of helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years is all I ever wanted. I couldn't be happier."

Ron Gourlay, Chelsea's chief executive, said: "Frank has been an important player for Chelsea Football Club for a long time and has played a significant part in the club's success.

"We have been talking to him since the end of last year and our discussions have been entirely positive throughout. We are delighted we are now announcing an extension to his contract which will keep him at the club until 2014."

Lampard, who joined the club from West Ham in 2001 for £11m has won the Champions League, the Premier League on three occasions, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice and after last night, can add the Europa League to that haul.

The 34-year-old has made over 600 appearances for the club and last weekend took his tally of goals to 203.

There had been speculation that he could move to the MLS, and there were even rumours that Manchester United could swoop in had he failed to agree a new deal at Chelsea. But today's announcement means he will remain at Chelsea for at least another year and judging by Lampard's comment of "helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years", he could be there longer than that.

Today's announcement will only add to speculation that Jose Mourinho is set to return this summer, with the player proving a crucial member of the squad during the Portuguese manager's previous spell at the club.