Frank Lampard: No talks with Chelsea over new contract

Frank Lampard says he is not in talks with Chelsea over a new contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.

Lampard's revelation will devastate Chelsea fans for whom he is one of their all-time heroes. He was feted as such after coming off the bench in the Club World Cup semi-final win over Monterrey in Yokohama, travelling supporters displaying a banner which read: 'Lamps, we want you to stay'. Lampard said: "It was nice support. We could hear they had travelled all the way from London. "I can't say enough for the Chelsea fans, who have always been amazing for me and the team." Thursday's game was Lampard's second appearance since he suffered a recurrence of a calf problem in October. That compounded an injury-hit 2012 that might have convinced Chelsea his time at Stamford Bridge was up. Lampard said: "I don't know why the injury happened. I wanted to get it right, I didn't want to come back and break down again." Lampard's absence co-incided with a Chelsea's worst run in the Barclays Premier League for 15 years, something that contributed to Roberto Di Matteo being sacked as manager and replaced by Rafael Benitez. And while Lampard was cheered by Blues fans tonight, there was no escape from the jeers and abuse for former Liverpool boss Benitez, despite him being so far from home. "We know the atmosphere is different, maybe that doesn't help us quite so much," Lampard said. "Chelsea is the fans. You have to respect how they feel, you have to respect Robbie, and at the same time respect that Rafa is going to try to do the best job he can at Chelsea."