Cole hoping for Lampard stay

Ashley Cole hopes Frank Lampard remains at Chelsea past the end of the season, and believes he still has plenty to offer on and off the pitch.

Lampard, who has netted 10 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season and is just five off Bobby Tambling’s all-time record of 202, is out of contract at season’s end and has not yet been approached about an extension.

Despite the England international repeatedly stating his commitment to the side, as well as the fans making their feelings clear, it is reported the board will not offer him a new deal.

Team-mate Cole has now also come out in support of the 34-year-old, indicating that it would be a mistake to let Lampard leave.

“Of course I want him to stay,” he told BBC Sport. “You don’t want to lose big players like that but as I said it’s not down to me or the players.

“Certainly in terms of being a player and a man and being around the squad if he goes we’re going to miss him.”

The left-back was speaking after England’s historic victory over Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday, a game in which the defender won his 100th international cap.

Lampard was the match-winner in the friendly, coming off the bench to brilliantly score Roy Hodgson’s men’s second goal in a 2-1 win.

Cole said it was no shock to see his club-mate net his 27th England goal, hitting back at critics that say he is no longer the player he used to be.

“I see it week in week out from Frank,” he said. “He’s always there or thereabouts, he comes off the bench and he’s still scoring goals, he’s a fantastic player and good to have in the team.”