Frank Lampard became Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer on Saturday with two trademark strikes against Aston Villa, providing another demonstration of his value with his future at the European champions still uncertain. Lampard, who made his Chelsea debut nearly 12 years ago, struck in the 61st and 88th minutes at Villa Park to give his side a 2-1 victory in the Premier League that virtually ensured Champions League football for the London club next season.
It took the England midfielder to 203 goals for Chelsea, eclipsing the record held by striker Bobby Tambling who played for Chelsea from 1959-70. Lampard is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to be offered a new deal by club owner Roman Abramovich. It had been suggested the 34-year-old was likely to be forced out of Stamford Bridge, but media reports say the Russian billionaire might yet extend his stay.
"It's great to get the record, especially in an important game," Lampard, who has 607 appearances for Chelsea, told the BBC. "I'm hoping I'll be here, and at the end of the season we'll get a decision on that. "Today was really nice not only personally but it got us into the Champions League, and a club like Chelsea need to compete at that level. Strange things have happened at this club over the years but the one constant is the success.
"The manager situation has been pretty clear for a while now so the manager and
10:48 PM, May 11, 2013
