Lampard happy with Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has told fans there is no sinister motive behind his decision to delay contract talks until the end of the season.

Speculation over Lampard's Chelsea future has been rife following his decision to suspend talks over a long-term extension to his current deal, which expires in 18 months.

But Lampard, currently sidelined with a thigh problem, said: "Nothing has changed since the club and I decided that we wouldn't talk until the end of the season."

The shock departure of Jose Mourinho in September only served to heighten fears that Lampard would quit Stamford Bridge at the end of the season with Barcelona the favoured destination.

But the England midfielder, 29, has revealed that he has no intention of leaving and insists he wants to remain at the club for life.

"I don't want the fans to think there is anything sinister about it because I'm desperate to get it done," he said.

"I want to stay at this club for the rest of my career. I do not think I would receive the love I get from the Chelsea fans anywhere else. I would love another six or seven years of it.

"On a scale of one to 10, Chelsea is a 10 for me in terms of importance. Everyone around me knows how much Chelsea means to me. In my life my family comes first but Chelsea comes second. I'm at a club I love and living in an area I love."

Lampard, who is just one goal short of a century for the club, has already set his sights on reaching 150 and hopes to continue playing for as long as possible.

He said: "I see that Peter Osgood is on 150 goals for the club and I'd love to get to that level. I think I will carry on playing until I am around 35."