Frank Lampard 'regrets' not being able to say goodbye to Chelsea fans

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Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed his regret at not saying a proper farewell to the club's fans.

His 13-year spell in west London came to an end this summer when the Blues decided not to renew his contract.

Lampard, 36, eventually joined New York City before being loaned to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

But Lampard decided not to have a big farewell party during the final game of last season in case he eventually stayed at the club.

"I didn't want to do the big parade - 'Thanks a lot and goodbye everyone' - because that would have looked a bit foolish if it had gone the other way and I'd stayed," Lampard told The Sun.

"I ended up stuck in the middle. So I just did the usual lap and a wave because we knew Ash [Cole] was leaving, we had a bit of a moment with him."

During a glittering spell with the Blues Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, one Europa League and the Champions Cup.

Lampard is also third on Chelsea's all-time list of appearances with 648 and the club's all-time record goalscorer with 211.

"There are not a lot of things I regret in my Chelsea career but not being able to say my goodbyes properly to all of the Chelsea fans is certainly one. Thirteen years is a long time."