Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been honoured with the Football Writers' Association's Tribute award.
Chelsea star hailed by football writers
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard said he has plenty more to offer on the night he was honoured with the Football Writers' Association's Tribute award.
Lampard, 31, has experienced a huge amount of success during his 14-year professional career but he admits it came as a surprise to win the award before his playing days had ended.
The England midfielder was recognised by the FWA as he received the annual award at an event at London's Lancaster Hotel.
Lampard started his career at West Ham under the tutelage of his father Frank Lampard Snr before moving to Chelsea in 2001 for £11million.
He has since gone on to win eight trophies - including two Barclays Premier League titles and two FA Cups - and has also won 76 caps for his country.
Previous winners of the award include Bobby Moore, Sir Alex Ferguson and Alan Shearer.
"It's unexpected for me, I'm not quite getting towards the end of my career yet but I'm very proud of what I've achieved and to get recognition for what I've achieved from the FWA is a huge thing," said Lampard, who scored twice in Chelsea's 7-2 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
"The football writers are so hard to please. They see us every week. They are the critics of football and I'm very proud that they have seen me in this light.
"I'm really enjoying my football at the moment. You get to 31 and you know you are past the middle part of your career now and I just want to make it last as long as you can."
Last year's winner, Harry Redknapp, paid tribute to Lampard on the night while former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho took time out to write a glowing account of his time spent with the midfielder at Stamford Bridge.
"I am so proud to have worked with such a man," said the Inter Milan boss.
"When I am asked who are the best players I have worked with, I will always say that Frank Lampard is amongst the greatest.
"Not because he has been successful but because he is driven every day to become better."
