 "Frank Lampard's top moments for Chelsea")
Frank Lampard finally brought down curtain on a 13-year illustrious career at Stamford Bridge as he announced that he would be leaving Chelsea after his contract expires in June. The veteran midfielder was signed by Chelsea from West Ham United in 2011 for 11 million pounds. He ended up as their all-time record goalscorer with 211 goals. Here are Lampard’s top 5 moments in Chelsea Jersey. [caption id=“attachment_1555071” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
File picture of Frank Lamard (Right). Getty[/caption] Winning his first trophy with Chelsea: After a slow start to his Chelsea career, Lampard finally got into the groove. In 2004, he was voted as Chelsea’s player of the year as he helped them finish second in the Premier League and also reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. He won his first trophy for the Blues in 2005 - the League Cup. He played a vital role in the final against Liverpool as he forced an own goal from Gerrard in the 79th minute to take the game in extra time. Chelsea eventually won the tie 3-2.
Helping Chelsea win first Premier League title in 2005 with a brace against Bolton. Lampard helped Chelsea clinch their first Premier League title in 50 years as he scored a brace against Bolton at the Reebok stadium. The Blues needed a win to secure the title, they put in a listless performance in the first half but inspired by Lampard, they came out rampaging in the second half. Lampard gave them the lead with a superb goal in the 60th minute and then sealed the tie with a second one in 76th minute.
Named the footballer of the year in 2005 - Lampard was instrumental in helping Chelsea clinch a double in the season 2004-05 - the Premier League and the League cup. He had scored 19 goals and provided numerous crucial assists. He was deservedly named the FWA Footballer of the Year. He narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the year ending up as runner-up in both. Scoring the winning goal in 2009 FA Cup final Lampard provided another moment to savour, at Wembley when he scored the winning goal against Everton to help Chelsea lift the FA Cup. Louis Saha had scored the quickest goal in FA Cup final history to put Everton in the lead after just 25 seconds. But then Drogba equalised in the 21st minute with a header. The match was level until 70 minutes before Lampard unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box to score the winner.
Scoring against Liverpool in an emotional 2007/08 Champions League semi-final It was an emotional match for Lampard as he lined up for Chelsea in the Champions league semi-final second leg against Liverpool at the Stamford Bridge, a week after his mother had passed away. The first leg was tied 1-1. Didier Drogba provided Chelsea the lead in 33rd minute. Fernando Torres then equalised in 64th minute to send the match in extra time. Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the extra time (98th minute). Lampard stepped up and calmly slotted it past Jose Reina. He then kissed the black arm band which he had worn in remembrance of his mother. It was a fitting tribute. Drogba scored another one in the 105th minute as Chelsea booked their place in the finals. Leading Chelsea to Champions League glory It was one of the biggest nights in Lampard’s career. The elusive Champions League trophy had haunted both him and Chelsea. But on May 19th, 2012, Chelsea exorcised all the daemons of the 2008 finals defeat to Manchester united. Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shoot out (4-3) after the game had ended 1-1 in extra time, to win the title. Regular captain John Terry was suspended for the match after being sent off in the semi-final against Barcelona at Nou Camp. Lampard was given the armband. He truly led from the front with relentless efforts both in the attacking and defensive fronts and then He calmly converted his penalty in the penalty-shoot out. He was one of the best players on the field at the Allianz Arena.
Scoring his 200th goal for Chelsea in 2013 Lampard added another feather to his cap when he became just the second Chelsea player Bobby Tambling to score 200 goals. He scored the milestone goal against his old club West ham United at Stamford Bridge. Lampard headed a beautiful Edin Hazard chip into the net to give Chelase the lead. Chelsea eventually on the match 2-0. He later went on to become the top goal-scorer for Chelsea surpassing Tambling’s tally of 202 with a brace against Aston Villa at Villa Park .