Frank Lampard addresses a news conference in Miami, where England is camping. Photo – Reuters
London: England midfielder Frank Lampard suggested he would probably retire from international football after the World Cup, with a move to Major League Soccer among his post-Chelsea options.
Lampard, 35, announced on Monday that he was leaving Chelsea after 13 years with the club and while he will captain England against Ecuador in their pre-World Cup friendly on Wednesday, he acknowledged this tournament could mark the end of his time with the national team.
“It is very difficult to get the words out to say that. I am very proud and very happy to play for England so I certainly want to say it after. If we go and win then I probably will certainly hang my boots up. I don’t like to say it because I love playing but its kind of obvious that it comes in the end but I am just appreciating and enjoying every minute at the moment,” he told reporters after training.
Lampard believes that in Brazil he can offer England manager Roy Hodgson more than just an experienced presence in the dressing room and says he is glad to have been able to extend his international career.
“I have had quite a few opportunities. Most players sort of finish with England in their low thirties at the most and I have had some of my most enjoyable England years at the back end, in the last two years,” he said.
“I have appreciated what I have got. When you are young you don’t always appreciate it. I’ve enjoyed the squad, the ambience around the squad and that is why I won’t write myself off yet,” he said
Lampard said he also wants to wait until after the tournament before making a decision, but his agent has reportedly been in talks with new Major League Soccer club New York City FC who will start playing in February 2015.
The club, which is jointly owned by Manchester City and New York Yankees, signed Spain international David Villa on Monday.
