Reaching the age of 33, minor voices regarding Frank Lampard’s ability to perform his best performance with Chelsea in the new season keeps raising especially since the player missed out on quite plenty matches last season because of injury.
However, Lampard himself seems very determined to convince people that he hasn’t lost anything despite already getting into his 30’s and assured the fans that he can still contribute great things for the Blues.
Moreover, Lampard also gave Ryan Giggs’ performance last season especially in the Champions League tie against Chelsea, as a solid example on how a player can still perform well despite already reaching their 30’s . The England international also stated that as long as a player can keep his physical condition in shape and knows what he must do than playing quality football in that so called late age for footballers won’t be a big problem.
‘I think the age thing has changed,”People are pretty quick to write you off once you get into your 30s but they have proved to be a lot of players’ best years. Ryan Giggs was outstanding against us in the Champions League quarter-final last season – and in a lot of other games – at 37 years old. If you look after yourself, keep motivated, which is very important, know your body, do the right things, and manage yourself well, then you can certainly have your best years in your 30s,” Lampard stated.
Not only that, Lampard also revealed that at the moment he still has too much passion and ambition to keep playing football, so he obviously isn’t willing to let his performance level drop. The midfielder also acknowledged the needs to keep consistent high level performances in order to compete in the race for titles as this days inconsistency can’t really guide a team in winning trophies, something that Chelsea are always aiming each season.
‘I love playing, I love the sport and the basics of going out to play football. But I also love the stuff that comes with it at the top,” Lampard added. ‘I’d still enjoy playing if it were at Sunday league level, but I like the cut-throat mentality at this level, where you have to keep on top of your game no matter whatbecause, if you drop, you’re out of it. That’s what drives me on, I like being at the top.”
photo credit: Ben Sutherland
