Frank Lampard is considering retirement from International football if England wins the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Following his departure from Chelsea Football club, England's Frank Lampard said he might consider retiring from International football if the country wins the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
"It's very hard to get the words out to say that. I'm very proud and very happy to play for England, so I won't say it," the former Chelsea midfielder said, according to a Mirror report. "If we go and win it, I'll probably hang my boots up but I don't like to say it. I love playing, although it's kind of obvious it comes to a close in the end."
"I'm just appreciating and enjoying every minute at the moment. I won't say it at this point. I've never said it before and I've had plenty of opportunities to do so," he continued. "Most players finish with England in their low 30s at the most. I've had some of my most enjoyable England years in the last two years. I've enjoyed and appreciated what I've got. When you're young, you don't always appreciate being in the squad, the ambiance around the squad. That's why I won't write myself off yet."
Lampard is England's most prolific penalty taker with nine goals, surpassing the previous record holders, Ron Flowers and Alan Shearer. He made his World Cup debut in 2006 and was England's top goal scorer in its qualifying campaign with five goals. In the country's first game of the tournament against Paraguay, Lampard was named Man of the Match as England won 1-0. Though he went on to play every minute of the country's matches, he remained scoreless. England was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Portugal on penalties, and he was one of the three England players who missed their penalties, alongside Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
His 2010 World Cup appearance didn't prove to be any better and by the time England was eliminated from the tournament, Lampard achieved the record of having made 37 shots on goal without scoring in a World Cup tournament, more than any other player since 1966. This tournament also included the controversial wrongly disallowed goal scored by the 35-year-old. In the first half of the game against Germany, Lampard made a shot that bounced off the crossbar and from TV replays was clearly seen to cross the goal line. However, the referee didn't count it as a goal and play continued. If the goal had been counted, the score would have been 2-2. England went to lose the match with a 4-1 win for Germany.
Late last month, Lampard agreed a free transfer to New York City and confirmed he'll be leaving Chelsea, June 3, 2014. His departure follows the exit of teammate Ashley Cole, who was not offered a new contract with the club. Though Lampard hasn't confirmed where he'll be playing next season, reportshave it that he will be joining David Villa to play for MLS expansion team NYC FC.
Lampard joined Chelsea in 2001 after transferring from West Ham. In his 13-year stint with the club, he went on to be Chelsea's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals. His contract gets over at the end of this month. Though Lampard was offered a new contract at Stamford Bridge it was on a reduced wage.
"All the managers and coaches who have helped me develop my game during the time I have been here. I have learnt from every one of them," he said in a statement, according to a USA Today report. "All the brilliant teammates who I have been lucky enough to train and play alongside for so long. Not just their football qualities but also the friendships I have gained along the way.... The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons."
Lampard will captain England in what may be the country's biggest game of the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. The country will play Italy, June 15, 2014.
