..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Rovin Van Persie Wins Fans' Award & Goal of the Season Award

Manchester United fans have recognised Robin van Persie’s wonderful first season by voting him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony at Old Trafford.The striker picked up the accolade after garnering 41.5 per centof the combined votes on our seven language websites, to beat Michael Carrick (29 per cent) and David De Gea (11.5 per cent) into second and third place respectively.

"This was always the plan," he laughed. "I have to be fair - it’s beyond expectations. It made such an impact on me from day one, being involved with all the guys. The way they welcomed me made such an impact and, of course, to be able to work with Sir Alex and Mike [Phelan] and all the staff is more than a pleasure.

"I have to say that winning a trophy is fantastic. It’s great but the road to the whole trophy is maybe even nicer. Being together every day and working on details, getting better step-by-step, beating opponents and then the best feeling of all that is the result and the trophy."This whole year has been incredible. I have to thank all the boys, the staff and the fans, who since day one, have been unbelievable. It’s been an honour. It’s made such a big impact on me and I’m still thrilled about what’s happened in the last 10 months or so. Hopefully, we can do even better, crack on and win even more trophies."

When asked if the next aim is winning the Champions League, he replied: "I would love to. I think we showed we can compete with the best. If you look at the game against Real [Madrid], for example,everything was organised perfectly.

Our game-plan was working. We were winning so it was a bit harsh how we lost that game but it’s part of football as well. If you want to be a winner, first you have to deal with disappointments. If you look at the whole club, it’s full of winners. Everyone knows how to win and everyone works hard to win and I love that."Van Persie was keen to pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson as he will always cherish the one season he worked under the legendary United boss.

"It’s only been a year I’ve worked with this great manager and great man," he stated. "But, honestly, I must say it’s been a real honour and it’s had such a big impact. Also in the way he is as a person, we get to know each other. Of course, I see him every day and the way he looks after his boys is like we’re his own kids. He’s always protecting us and looking after us. The meetings he does are incredible. It’s been a joy and I’m proud of that."It was van Persie’s second award of the evening after his stunning volley against Aston Villa was voted Goal of the Season by a huge margin.

The Dutchman’s 25 goals have been the cornerstone of United’s charge to the Barclays Premier League title but his build-up play and work-rate have been equally impressive.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations RVP!​

 

[charitha chandi]

f***ck chelsea........... Benfica dinnanna thibba match eka

pala yanna...!

 

[මුගටියා]

Rovin Van Persie Wins Fans' Award & Goal of the Season Award

Manchester United fans have recognised Robin van Persie’s wonderful first season by voting him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony at Old Trafford.The striker picked up the accolade after garnering 41.5 per centof the combined votes on our seven language websites, to beat Michael Carrick (29 per cent) and David De Gea (11.5 per cent) into second and third place respectively.

"This was always the plan," he laughed. "I have to be fair - it’s beyond expectations. It made such an impact on me from day one, being involved with all the guys. The way they welcomed me made such an impact and, of course, to be able to work with Sir Alex and Mike [Phelan] and all the staff is more than a pleasure.

"I have to say that winning a trophy is fantastic. It’s great but the road to the whole trophy is maybe even nicer. Being together every day and working on details, getting better step-by-step, beating opponents and then the best feeling of all that is the result and the trophy."This whole year has been incredible. I have to thank all the boys, the staff and the fans, who since day one, have been unbelievable. It’s been an honour. It’s made such a big impact on me and I’m still thrilled about what’s happened in the last 10 months or so. Hopefully, we can do even better, crack on and win even more trophies."

When asked if the next aim is winning the Champions League, he replied: "I would love to. I think we showed we can compete with the best. If you look at the game against Real [Madrid], for example,everything was organised perfectly.

Our game-plan was working. We were winning so it was a bit harsh how we lost that game but it’s part of football as well. If you want to be a winner, first you have to deal with disappointments. If you look at the whole club, it’s full of winners. Everyone knows how to win and everyone works hard to win and I love that."Van Persie was keen to pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson as he will always cherish the one season he worked under the legendary United boss.

"It’s only been a year I’ve worked with this great manager and great man," he stated. "But, honestly, I must say it’s been a real honour and it’s had such a big impact. Also in the way he is as a person, we get to know each other. Of course, I see him every day and the way he looks after his boys is like we’re his own kids. He’s always protecting us and looking after us. The meetings he does are incredible. It’s been a joy and I’m proud of that."It was van Persie’s second award of the evening after his stunning volley against Aston Villa was voted Goal of the Season by a huge margin.

The Dutchman’s 25 goals have been the cornerstone of United’s charge to the Barclays Premier League title but his build-up play and work-rate have been equally impressive.

 

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David Beckham to retire from football after turning down new PSG deal

David Beckham is to retire from football after two decades at the top of the game. Beckham was initially thought to be contemplating a further year's contract at Paris Saint-Germain, where he has just won a league title in a fourth country following spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and the LA Galaxy in MLS.

However, the PSG coach who brought him to the club, Carlo Ancelotti, is likely to depart for Real Madrid as José Mourinho's replacement and at 38, Beckham has concluded that another year of intense competition might be a step too far.

"I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," he said.

On the international stage, Beckham holds the England record for making 115 appearances as an outfield player for the national team.
He is expected now to return to London with his wife Victoria and children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. His fortune is said to be worth around £165m and there have previously been suggestions that he would like to invest in an MLS club and pursue his coaching schemes for schoolchildren.

After making his debut in 1992, Beckham won six titles with United, scoring 62 goals in 265 Premiership matches. He was a member in the historic treble team, adding the Champions League and two FA Cups to his list of honours.

"If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy.
I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams," he said.

"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch," said Beckham.

His subsequent career took in Real, Milan, LA Galaxy and PSG. He won the La Liga title in his final season in Spain, the MLS Championship twice and most recently the French Ligue 1 Championship.

Beckham added in a statement: "I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams. I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period.

"I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed."

He continued: "Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love. However, I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."
He has two final games before the end of the season, the last home match of his career this Saturday coming against Brest at Parc des Princes.

 

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David Beckham, from 1998 to 2013.

 

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David Beckham Official: Retirement Announcement

 

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Beckham announces retirement

The former England captain has decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career - despite the best efforts of les Parisiens to persuade him to play on for another year Paris Saint-Germain midfielder David Beckham has announced that he will retire from soccer at the end of the season.

The 38-year-old only moved to the French capital on a short-term contract in January but the Parisiens were hoping for the former England captain to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes for another season.

However, even though Beckham played his part in PSG ending its 18-year wait for a Ligue title, the star player has now decided to bring down the curtain on his illustrious career this summer.

"I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," Beckham said in a statement.

Beckham has established himself as one of the most recognizable faces in the sport during a remarkable career that has spanned two decades.

He made his name at Manchester United, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one Champions League with the Red Devils before joining Real Madrid in 2003.

"If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams," Beckham said.

Beckham lifted the La Liga trophy in his final season at the Santiago Bernabeu before shocking the soccer world by moving to the LA Galaxy, with whom he won two MLS Cups. Perhaps more significantly, though, he played a massive role in boosting soccer’s popularity in the United States.

After two loan spells with AC Milan during his time in the U.S., he eventually returned to Europe earlier this year with PSG, picking another domestic championship to become the first Englishman to win titles in four different countries.

In his homeland, though, he will probably best be remembered for his captaincy of the national team, and the trademark free kick against Greece which secured his country's qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country," Beckham said. "I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country.

"I'm honored to represent England both on and off the pitch."

 

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Beckham: Now is the right time to retire


The former England captain has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, and simply wants to remembered as a passionate, hard-working footballer David Beckham has revealed the reasons behind his decision to retire from football, insisting that he wants to be remembered as a "hard-working footballer" and he is proud of his achievements in the game but that it is the right time to step away.

The PSG midfielder announced on Thursday that he would be calling time on a sensational career that has spanned two decades and included league championships in four countries, a UEFA Champions League title and more than 100 caps with England.

"I think I’m ready [to retire]," Beckham told SkySports. "It’s a difficult decision. I still feel I could play at the top level and still have done for the last six months but I always secretly said to myself that I want to go out at the top. If you’d said to me eight months ago that I’d be playing in the French League, winning the French Cup, winning the League, and finishing like this I would’ve probably said ‘absolutely no chance.’ But I was given the opportunity to come to PSG and I just feel now is the time... I think!

"I love the game so much. I just feel that, I don’t know, it’s the right time. I believe it’s the right time but I’ll always feel that I can do more, that’s the problem."

Beckham won a championship in his last season with Manchester United, Real Madrid, the LA Galaxy and PSG, and he was grateful for the rare accomplishment and opportunities he was provided.

"I think it’s every athlete’s dream, every footballer’s dream, to go out on top form or winning a trophy," Beckham said. "It doesn’t happen that often but I’ve been lucky. When I left United, we won the league, when I left Madrid we won the league. Leaving the Galaxy; doing two years of winning the championship there, and now obviously coming here and winning the league. It’s nice to go out like that. I think people look back and it’s written. It’s simple. You’re leaving as a champion and I think that’s why it’s the right time."

As for how he'd like to be remembered, Beckham pointed to his passion and work ethic, while praising the high-profile teammates he had along the way for both club and country.

"I just want people to see me as a hard-working footballer. Someone who’s passionate about the game and someone that, every time I stepped on the pitch, I’ve given everything that I have because that’s how I feel going into games and the end of my career. That’s how I look back on it and hope people will see me.

"I think over the years it’s been ... my life, my career, people have obviously looked at certain other things that have gone on throughout my career and I think sometimes that’s overshadowed what I’ve achieved on the pitch and as much as I say that doesn’t hurt me, of course it does. At the end of the day, I’m a footballer that’s played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, played with some of the best players in the world, played under some of the biggest and best managers and achieved almost everything in football.

"Of course it hurts when people, not question it, but think about other things. To come to the end of my career now and look back and say ‘I’ve achieved everything with every club that I’ve played for, played for my country 115 times, been runner-up twice in the World Player of the Year to two amazing footballers. I’m very proud of that."

 

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Tim Cahill: David Beckham saw the bigger picture

Cahill said that Beckham's presence in MLS was integral to the Australian joining the league.David Beckham's vision extended off the field, where the Englishman excelled at set pieces and crosses, to how he saw the evolving modern game, according to Tim Cahill.

At the age of 38, Beckham announced his retirement from professional soccer this week. He will play one more game for Paris Saint-Germain, where the English midfielder spent half a season.

"I think he just sees the bigger picture," Cahill said. "I think he understands soccer and how he can develop the game. He could go to any country in the world and put crowds in the stadiums."

Prior to moving to France, Beckham played six seasons for the LA Galaxy, winning the MLS Cup in his last two seasons stateside. New York Red Bulls midfielder Cahill credited Beckham for his own decision to join MLS.

"What he's done for the MLS is amazing," the Australian said. "I think he's played a big part in every one being excited about it, for wanting to be involved and obviously he played a part in me coming here."

To acquire Beckham, MLS instituted a Designated Player mechanism, which allowed teams to include players outside the stringent salary caps. The rule has ushered several high-profile players into the league since, including Cahill, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Rafael Marquez.

Beckham represented England 115 times, a record for an outfielder. Following PSG's Ligue 1 triumph this season, he left Manchester United, Real Madrid, the Galaxy and now PSG with a title.

"To leave when he left the Premier League, everyone was questioning why, but the bigger picture is you have to see what he's done in world soccer," Cahill said. "He's made a massive impact on the MLS and you can see that. Everywhere I travel every weekend you see Beckham jerseys regardless of who you play against. Hats off to him. He's a special player."

In addition to his on-field success, Beckham added celebrity cachet. His good looks and marriage to Spice Girl Victoria Adams propelled him to a global platform. Endorsement deals made him the richest soccer player in the world prior to his retirement.

"I think for football it could be a sad day but obviously he's going to go into bigger and better things. He's an ambassador for world soccer," Cahill said. "I'm pretty sure he's got some surprises ahead."

 

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Simeone: Real Madrid undoubtedly better than us

The Atletico coach is expecting a tough Copa del Rey final against the deposed Spanish champion and says his side has been working on its approach.Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has admitted that Real Madrid is heavy favorite going into Friday's Copa del Rey final.

The two capital clubs meet each other at the Santiago Bernabeu looking to scoop silverware but the Argentine is hoping his side can defy the odds.

"We can't afford to make any mistakes against them. They're better, without doubt, but everything changes in one game; anything's possible," he said at a press conference. "We're a side who play with commitment and humility and in the world nowadays, where everything is tough, I'd compare us to the people out there. Everything is tough.

"Hopefully we can give hope to people, and with hard work, humility, teamwork and the possibilities we have we can compete with Real Madrid and succeed.

"It's about transmitting the good things, but today and tomorrow are special days for the players.

"The motivation only goes so far and over motivating the players is not good because you have to play first and then the rest comes: the rebellion, the fear... Because fear exists on both sides, and Madrid are no different.

"I'm expecting a game that will follow certain characteristics. Our rivals are quick and difficult to contain with three quarters of the pitch in front of them, but we're also dangerous playing in space.

"The team that successfully manages to link up between midfield and attack will be closer to victory. That's that way the game will go."

Atleti has not won against Real Madrid for 14 years and suffered a 2-1 home loss to its rival in La Liga recently, but Simeone says his side has been working hard.

"We've worked on how we can hurt them. We could've won the league game but we lost because of a counterattack," he said. "In this game the motivation is in each and every one of my players and they are all ready to win tomorrow."

 

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Mata named Chelsea Players' Player of the Year

The 25-year-old was voted by members of the first-team squad and technical staff as the Blues' best player this season, with Nathan Ake winning Young Player of the Year Juan Mata has been named Chelsea's Player's Player of the Year for 2012-13.

The 25-year-old beat stiff competition for the award after a fine campaign which has seen him play in eight different competitions, scoring 19 goals and registering 28 assists.

The Spaniard chose to thank the squad on receiving his award, espousing his delight to play at a club like Chelsea.

He told the audience at the event: "I want to say thank you to all of my teammates.

"I feel very proud to play for a team like Chelsea with all these amazing players, so it's a thank you to them.

"We have 24 or 25 top players and any one of them could have been the winner."

Mata joins fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres in the extraordinary feat of being the current holders of the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and Europa League titles.

Nathan Ake followed up his breakthrough season by winning Young Player of the Year, while Oscar won Goal of the Season with his effort against Juventus in the Champions League.

Ake added: "It was really special. When you're 18 and involved in the squad, the Europa League is really big, so it was a great experience for me."

Frank Lampard collected a Special Recognition award from Bobby Tambling, the man whom he surpassed to top the all-time goalscoring charts at Stamford Bridge.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Mata!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski: All will become clear soon

The Borussia Dortmund forward says his future will be revealed at the end of the season and insists that a transfer is not on his mind at the momentBorussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski says that his future will be cleared up at the end of the season.

The Pole signalled his intention not to sign a new contract at the club earlier this term but BVB has insisted that it is prepared to hold him to the last year of the existing deal.

Both Bayern Munich and Manchester United are credited with a strong interest in the 24-year-old and Lewandowski says his situation will become apparent soon.

"I have only one thing on my mind," he told TVN 24.

"A transfer is not the issue for me at the moment. You have to wait until the end of the season. I think everything will become clear."

Lewandowski has scored 23 goals in his 30 Bundesliga games this season and has also netted 10 in 12 Champions League games.

 

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Mourinho: We will all miss Ferguson

The Real Madrid coach pays tribute to the retiring Manchester United manager, remembering the Scot's graciousness when the Red Devils were beaten by his Porto side Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that "we will all miss" Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after the Scot retires.

The Portuguese is in awe of the Red Devils boss and the length of time for which he was in charge of the club but is not surprised by how well he did.

Mourinho told The Offisde Rule podcast: "We will all miss him and, for me, it will be difficult to go to Old Trafford, especially for the first time, to play against Manchester United without such a figure in the opposite dugout.

"He is unique and probably Manchester United are a unique club because they gave the manager the conditions to do the job he did.

"Everybody knows that the beginning was not easy for him. Everybody knows that it took him three or four years to win the first piece of silverware and United gave him the conditions to do an incredible job. After that he was unique, absolutely unique.

"The number of trophies he won for Manchester United in English football is absolutely amazing and to manage for more than 20 years is incredible."

Mourinho and Ferguson developed a great friendship during the former's time as Chelsea boss but the closeness started a year before that when he brought his Porto side over to play in the Champions League.

That game ended with the Portuguese side winning in injury time and the Madrid coach says that he was taken aback the Scot's graciousness in defeat.

"We scored in the last minute and we went through and it was not normal for me, not normal in the culture that I knew, that the opposition manager knocked on our dressing room door after the match - which was a moment when he would be very, very disappointed - and came in to congratulate me and invite me to go to his room for a glass of wine," Mourinho said.

"That marked our relationship. After that we played so many times with each other and the next year I moved to England with Chelsea. After that the relationship went in that direction - it didn't matter who won and who lost. The respect was always there."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund is mentally stronger than Bayern, claims Kehl


Jurgen Klopp's men have gone six league games without defeat against die Roten and the club captain believes this will affect the Bundesliga champions going into the game Sebastian Kehl has warned Bayern Munich not to forget its recent poor results against Borussia Dortmund ahead of the Champions League final.

The Bavarians are the clear favorites going into the Wembley showdown, having routed Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in the semifinals, but Jurgen Klopp's men are unbeaten in their last six Bundesliga meetings with die Roten, winning four of those encounters.

Consequently, Kehl believes that Dortmund has something of a psychological edge over Bayern, and one which could seem it triumph on May 25.

"Myself and the team believe that we can beat Bayern," the veteran midfielder told UEFA.com. "We were not beaten in either game against them in the Bundesliga this season.

"That shows that our way of playing can hurt Munich. Their respect for us will be very, very big as well.

"But we are entering the game with lots of anticipation, and also huge belief that we are able to win it.

"We have a plan and know how we can beat them. They know that as well and it is something which is inside their heads."

Victory in London would confirm Dortmund's resurgence as a major force in European football, 16 years after its one and only previous Champions League success, against Juventus in 1997.

Given that the club was in dire financial trouble not too long ago, Kehl finds Dortmund's rejuvenation remarkable.

"The term sleeping giant fits quite well," the 33-year-old mused. "We have gone through difficult times.

"But I have always believed there is incredible power in this club to show our financial and football strengths.

"Of course, the past three years have been a surprise. There have been remarkable performances within the shortest space of time.

"But BVB have it in them to become the second big beacon in Germany."

 

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Xavi: Casillas has had terrible treatment at Madrid

The Barcelona star has been unhappy to see his Spain teammate suffer such a controversial season at the Bernabeu, while also discussing his determination to keep playing.Barcelona star Xavi has labelled the treatment Spain teammate Iker Casillas has received at Real Madrid this season as “terrible”.

The goalkeeper has been exiled from the first team by Jose Mourinho and regularly criticized by the coach in public, with the Santiago Bernabeu boss preferring to select January signing Diego Lopez between the sticks.

Xavi has been dismayed to see his club rival and international colleague go through such a hard time and says it is not what a player of Casillas' standing deserves.

“I don't like to see an important player like Iker going through something like this,” he told a press conference. “It is terrible and I don't like it at all. Not so long ago they were putting him forward for the Ballon d'Or and now he's being discarded.

“He's my friend, he is a role model for a lot of people, he is captain of Spain's national team - he doesn't deserve this. I don’t know if Mourinho will continue [at Real Madrid] or not.”

Xavi’s long-term fitness is often an issue debated when Barca’s squad is analyzed but the iconic midfielder insists he is still as keen as ever to play regularly - both for club and country.

“Physically, I am prepared to keep going - that's why I signed a three-year contract extension," the 33-year-old added. “I haven't left the national team and I want to be with Spain for the Confederations Cup and World Cup 2014. I want to keep performing to a high level and I see myself being able to do so.

“I enjoy playing every three days - that's how you can build up rhythm and form. I want to be with Spain for the Confederations Cup and I want to win it. There are a lot of games to get through but that's because of the way the calendar is. At the end of the season, your legs are tired.”

The Camp Nou club’s latest Liga title was Xavi’s seventh in a star-studded career that has also seen him win three Champions League medals.

 

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Lampard signs one-year contract extension at Chelsea

The day after lifting the Europa League trophy in Amsterdam, the 34-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge for another year.Chelsea have confirmed that Frank Lampard has signed a new one-year contract extension at the club.

After picking up the Europa League trophy thanks to a last-minute winner from Branislav Ivanovic, Lampard has ensured he will stay at Stamford Bridge for a minimum of one more year, despite rampant reported interest from the Los Angeles Galaxy in making him a Designated Player signing this summer.

"I'm absolutely delighted. Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We've been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable," Lampard told the club's official website. "I want to thank [Roman] Abramovich for everything he's done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.

"The thought of helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years is all I ever wanted. I couldn't be happier."

Lampard became the club's all-time leading goalscorer with two strikes against Aston Villa that also sealed the club's place in the top four of the Premier League.

Since joining from London rival West Ham in 2001, Lampard has won the Premier League three times, the FA Cup four times, the Capital One Cup twice, the Champions League and now the Europa League.

In April, Lampard became only the third player to make 600 appearances for the club (now on 607), but he is unlikely to catch either Peter Bonetti (729) or Ron Harris (795) before the end of his career.