Farewell to Super Frank: The Premier League's greatest goalscoring midfielder

Lampard began to gain acclaim from the global footballing community as well, as he finished runner-up to the unmatchable Ronaldinho in the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, while also nabbing a spot in the inaugural FIFPro World XI. Lampard shared a place in midfield alongside Zinedine Zidane in that team; illustrating just how much he was revered by his peers.

When Mourinho left Chelsea in 2007, it was difficult for Lampard, who shared a close bond with the manager. However, Lampard was a consummate professional and stayed with Chelsea, committing himself to helping Chelsea become European champions. Avram Grant stepped in to take charge of Chelsea temporarily after Mourinho left and guided the club to the Champions League final to face Manchester United in Moscow.

Although it was ultimately a harrowing night for Chelsea as a football club, losing on penalties to their rivals in European football’s showpiece, Lampard struck a crucial equaliser in regulation time to force extra-time. It was typical Lampard, arriving with a perfectly timed dash into the box, taking advantage of a deflection and slotting the ball past Edwin van der Saar.

Following Grant’s departure, Chelsea went through an uncertain spell under Luiz Felipe Scolari but did manage to win the FA Cup in 2009 under interim boss Guus Hiddink. When Carlo Ancelotti took charge in the summer of 2009, it marked another wonderfully productive spell for Lampard, when he struck 20 league goals in a season for the first time as an attack-happy Chelsea won the league title back in fine style, ending a three-year spell of dominance from Manchester United.

The Champions League dream

As the managers continued to come and go, including Andre Villas-Boas, who left Chelsea 3-1 down to Napoli in the Champions League last-16. When Villas-Boas was sacked, Roberto di Matteo stepped in and stood up to the task of overcoming the deficit, with Lampard scoring a pressure-cooker penalty at Stamford Bridge in the second-leg.

Once again, Lampard showed nerves of steel as he converted a crucial penalty to eliminate Benfica and advance to the semi-final. After defeating Barcelona in the semi-final Lampard captained Chelsea in the final in John Terry’s absence, assuming the responsibility of the leader on the biggest night of the club’s life. Overcoming the odds against the mighty Bayern Munich, Chelsea won on penalties in what Lampard has described as the greatest night of his footballing life.

It was the ultimate achievement. Lampard had won the holy grail of football while wearing the captain’s armband.

Lampard finally said goodbye to Chelsea in the summer of 2014, after Mourinho revealed the club were going to release him. While it was tough to stomach for Lampard, he handled it with typical class and professionalism. It was announced that he was to move to the MLS with New York City FC, but he would complete a loan spell with Manchester City before heading to the USA.

When the opportunity presented itself, Lampard didn’t believe it was wrong to move to Manchester City. He was driven for one last Premier League experience and he got it at the Etihad Stadium. He scored against Chelsea after coming on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw in September and refused to celebrate, out of respect for Chelsea.

While the brief adventure with City didn’t culminate in further trophies to add to his extensive personal collection, Lampard bowed out in the only way he knew how; by scoring a goal in his final match, in the 2-0 win over Southampton. It was his 177th Premier League goal and one that he will cherish for a long time.

We have said goodbye to many legends of the Premier League this year, most notably Steven Gerrard and Didier Drogba, but Lampard will be missed equally, as his contribution to Chelsea over the years is difficult to measure.

He will always be remembered for his goalscoring exploits, his professionalism and his humility. Lampard has always come across as a genuine human being, an intelligent man who considers others and has great respect and admiration for his peers.

Farewell then, Super Frank. We are unlikely to ever see another midfielder as prolific as you.