The Spanish midfielder Juan Mata has called for the European champions Chelsea to offer a new contract to the England midfielder Frank Lampard. The 34-year-old has only a few months left on his contract, and he is widely tipped to leave the club for pastures new. Lampard has been at the club since 2001. During this period, he has become one of the most successful players for Chelsea. He recently scored his 199th goal for the club in the 4-0 win over Brentford. Mata, who has been a revelation for Chelsea since his £ 24 million arrival from Valencia last season, has backed the voices of the fans to sign up Lampard.

Lampard is only three goals short of the record for the most number of goals by any Chelsea player. Mata has not only termed him as a great guy, but also as a great captain as well. He has recalled how Lampard has been one of the consistent scorers from midfield over the last 10 years. Lampard has been averaging around 15 goals in each of the last 10 seasons of more. Mata opened the scoring for Chelsea in the recent win over Brentford. He also set up the goal for Lampard. Oscar and John Terry scored the goals for the FA Cup holders.

“I understand why the fans want Frank here — the supporters love him. He is a great guy, a great captain who is a legend. For me and the team-mates it is an honour to play with him. For 10 years he has been scoring more than 10 every season in the Premier League. He is one of the best. Oscar is a great player. He is still 21, very young, and already a very, very good player. I feel really pleased to play with him. I’m glad because he is a great guy as well,” said Mata.