England manager Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to Frank Lampard, following the former Three Lions midfielder’s decision to retire.
The ex-West Ham United, Chelsea and Manchester City man announced that he’s calling time on his playing days on Thursday morning.
Lampard’s career saw him earn 106 caps for England, scoring 29 goals along the way in addition to an impressive domestic trophy haul which included three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups as well as Champions League and Europa League medals to boot.
And Southgate reveals he always expected Lampard to enjoy a fruitful career after first working alongside him as a team-mate in the England squad back in the late 1990s.
“I can remember Frank training with England as a very young player and then playing with him on his debut at Sunderland in 1999,” said the Three Lions boss.
“What struck me was his desire to keep improving, practising and doing additional work after training.
“You only have to look at his list of honours to see the level he reached and his goalscoring record as a midfield player is remarkable. What's more, I can't remember anyone in recent times who scored so many of their goals from outside of the penalty box.
“Frank had tremendous pride in playing for England and was one of those players prepared to put himself in the firing line even in the difficult times, hence his huge achievement in receiving over 100 caps.”
Lampard, who also had a spell in the USA with New York City which came to an end last November, has already revealed that he hopes to move into coaching now that his playing career is over.
And having previously made the same transition from player to coach himself, Southgate has backed the 38-year-old to find a way back into the game soon.
“Deciding to retire is one of the most difficult of decisions for a footballer but Frank is an intelligent guy who will be able to handle that and have plenty to look forward to in the rest of his life,” he explained.
“For now, it's great to be able to congratulate him on a fantastic career for club and country, offer our thanks for his contribution to England and wish him well for the future.”
And FA chairman Greg Clarke has paid his own tribute to Lampard.
He said: “Frank Lampard has been a wonderful ambassador for English football and deserves to be recognised as one of the true all-time greats of our game.
“Scoring 29 goals from midfield in 106 appearances for England was a remarkable achievement while his pride and professionalism in representing his country was always apparent.
“On the club stage, particularly at Chelsea, he won all there is to win while many personal accolades also came his way.
“I am delighted to hear that Frank will stay in the game as he is an inspirational figure who can do so much to help the next generation coming through.
“I would like to wish Frank and his family all the very best in the future.”
