What does the future hold for Frank Lampard?

Most people looking at England euro 2012 betting odds will tell you that Frank Lampard is one of football’s gentlemen. Rarely does he speak out of turn, yet he knows how to get his message across in the most devastating of fashions.

To use an old cliché, he does his talking on the football pitch, and when he slammed in that penalty against Manchester City last week, it was quite apparent that he is not prepared to hang up his boots just yet.

Having been omitted from the starting line-up in two of Chelsea’s most crucial games of this season – Valencia and City – it seemed as though Andre Villas-Boas was trying to quietly retire off the Blues legend.

But some players are made of tougher stuff than that, and Frank Lampard certainly had other ideas. Not only did he have the courage to step up and tuck away a penalty that had so much riding on it, but he helped add that knowledge and understanding to the Chelsea midfield that could not be gleaned from any of their other stars.

Questions still remain, however, whether Lampard can still compete at the highest level. One thing is for sure, his next contract at Chelsea, if it comes, will not be as lucrative as the one he is coming to the end of. If he wants the big bucks, there are many lesser sides waiting in the wings looking to snap up their marquee player for the next few seasons.

And that could mean a move to LA Galaxy in the MLS for Lampard. It is the path that David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Thierry Henry (New York) have chosen to take. Is it time for Lampard to join that pantheon of former global superstars? It is a tempting option.

Of course, he could choose to take the path that the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs did, and see out his career at a club he already has legendary status with. It will be difficult, for sure, but if he stays fit and believes in his own ability, he surely has a future at the club based on one-year rolling contracts.

In terms of his England future, however, that still remains unclear. There is a new generation of stars coming through now, and perhaps it is time to hand the baton over to them in that respect. Like Beckham, Lampard does not have to announce his retirement from international football – instead, accept that one day his call-ups will just run-out.

He will always remain one of the stars of his era, but what the future holds for him will soon become clear.

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3. Englishmen Hold Key to Man City’s Title Hopes
4. United’s Future In Safe Hands Under Sir Alex
5. Rooney’s Future In Doubt As Man Utd Drop More Points