Frank Lampard
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Frank James Lampard (born June 20, 1978 in Romford, London) is an English football player currently at Chelsea and previously with West Ham United. He is a regular member of the England national team.
He has several famous footballing relatives: his father, Frank Lampard Sr., was also an England international. His cousin is Jamie Redknapp, who has recently retired from football, and his uncle is Harry Redknapp, who is manager of Southampton.
Another product of West Ham United's youth system, Lampard rose through the ranks at Upton Park and spent a brief spell on loan at Swansea in 1995. He is a hardworking player with precise shooting and passing ability. In the 2000/01 season, Lampard reacted angrily to the news of a £17 million deal that took Rio Ferdinand to Leeds United. That followed by the departure of his father Frank, who followed Harry Redknapp out of Upton Park in May 2001, led to Lampard's exit. In the summer of 2001, he was signed by then Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, for a fee of £11.5 million.
Lampard made his full England debut against Belgium in October 1999, and was voted England player of the Year for 2004 by the fans. He played for his country at the 2004 European Championship.
Lampard has established himself as a regular of the multi-million pound Chelsea squad, and a fans' favourite. He is also second choice captain of the club, behind John Terry. Despite being a midfielder, Lampard has an impressive scoring ratio since he signed for Chelsea and a keen eye for goal. Although not a striker, his intelligent runs and long-range efforts at the edge of the box often result in accurate strikes at goals. Lampard also contributes just as much to the Chelsea side through his goal assists. He is usually Chelsea's first choice penalty and set-piece taker as well.
He was voted English Footballer of the Year at the end of the 2004-05 season, after contributing to winning the Premiership (first time for Chelsea after 50 years) and the League Cup, and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
| Preceded by: Thierry Henry | Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year 2005 | Succeeded by: current holder Template:End boxbg:Франк Лампард de:Frank Lampard et:Frank Lampard he:פרנק לאמפרד ja:フランク・ランパード pt:Frank Lampard sv:Frank Lampard th:แฟรงก์ แลมพาร์ด |