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Lampard weighing up his options

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted to The Sun that he is bracing himself for life away from playing football.

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Lampard's future at Chelsea is in doubt, with his contract due to expire this summer, and after he was included on the club's list of released players last week.

The 35-year-old is keen to prolong his career, but concedes he is nearing the time when he will be ready for the next chapter of his life.

Lampard, who is currently on international duty with England, said: "I don't know if I'll be at Chelsea next season. I'd like to carry on for two or three more years but it would be good to end on a high.

"So, if that means it all ends tomorrow, I wouldn't have any regrets. You know your shelf-life, so I started to mentally prepare when I hit 30.

"I've been doing this for a long time, so there's a part of me that's looking forward to the future."

Last summer, Lampard's contract expired at Chelsea only for him to sign new terms. The former West Ham player has 147 league goals to his name for the Blues.