No contract talks but Lampard remains focused on ‘critical’ games

Frank Lampard remains in the dark over his Chelsea future, but insists his focus is on a “critical” period for the club as they home in on Champions League qualification.

The Blues legend is out of contract in the summer and says there have been no fresh moves to open talks on a new deal.

But in spite of the exit door possibly looming, the 34-year-old says thoughts on next season have been put to one side while Chelsea target the Europa League trophy and a top-four finish.

He said: “Obviously I’ve thought about the future, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t, but there’s nothing happening at the minute.

“I’m just worrying about the next eight or nine games until the end of the season.

“We’re in that critical time now, where we need to perform individually and as a team and try and make it a successful season.

“My big concern has been us challenging for third, because I’ve always been used to doing that and I think that’s where the club needs to be back at.”

Lampard is three goals shy of breaking Bobby Tambling’s club scoring record, which has stood for more than 43 years.

With only a handful of games to play this season, and his Stamford Bridge future in doubt, he faces a race against time to reach the 203 landmark.

He said: “I’m very proud to be on 200. The most important thing for me is to be part of a team performance like the other night [against Fulham].

“I think if I get a chance to play a few games like that then the goals will come as a consequence of me working hard.

“Goals have always been a huge part of my game since my dad told me to get into the box when I was a kid, because that’s where the glory is!”

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