Lampard ready for Chelsea exit

Frank Lampard will definitely leave Chelsea at the end of the season, the England international's agent confirmed on Thursday, but he will not be tempted to see out his career in China.

The 34-year-old Lampard is into the final months of his contract with the European champion and a new deal has yet to be agreed.

"At the moment, Frank is only thinking of the present. As far as the future is concerned, the only thing that is certain is that his team will change at the end of the season," agent Steve Kutner said.

"Frank wants to play for a great team, fight for important goals and win other trophies.

"A player of his caliber should continue playing at the highest level. Serie A could be more than just a possibility," said Kutner, who insisted a move to China or Russia was not on the agenda.

Los Angeles Galaxy, Chinese Super League side Guizhou Renhe and Premier League struggler QPR have all been recently linked with a move for Lampard.

(China Daily 01/05/2013 page15)