Source: Team_Talk
Lampard: I won't hang around
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will not outstay his welcome at the top of the Premier League when he no longer meets his own high standards.[LNB] The England international was in excellent form in Wednesday's 4-0 victory over Kitchee in the pre-season Asia Trophy and scored a penalty to earn praise from new boss Andre Villas-Boas.[LNB]But, at 33 years of age, Lampard knows his time is running out, especially after a frustrating 2010/11 campaign in which injuries restricted him to just 10 Premier League goals.[LNB]The former West Ham man had scored 22 goals in the previous top-flight season and, although he feels strong, he is honest enough to admit he will retire when he cannot produce the goods.[LNB]"Pre-season is always been about getting yourself fresh and I really feel I'm getting there," said Lampard. "If I didn't feel I was getting there I wouldn't want to hang around too long.[LNB]"I love getting into the box, getting up and down the pitch. I know I can do it now and, hopefully, I can do it for a few more years. But I know that day will come - although I'll probably be sold before then![LNB]"I do have to look after myself. There are plenty of things I do in the gym, I am with the masseuses occasionally.[LNB]"You look at people who hang around in their 30s and they have to be disciplined about what they do."[LNB]He added: "Last season was a stand-out season for me. I have been lucky enough to have gone through season after season without picking up injuries.[LNB]"That actually hit me harder - because I had been so lucky. Now I have been away, freshened up and, touch wood, I haven't felt my groin at all.[LNB]"It is much harder when you aren't used to being injured. The frustration is there from the start.[LNB]Lampard is also happy to play any role in Villas-Boas' plans, as long as he is not forced to drop his attacking instincts.[LNB]He said: "I don't mind where I play. I have actually played there (a deeper role) for England fairly regularly.[LNB]"But I do like to get forward and this won't be a role that will stop me getting into the box. As long as I am never told not to stray beyond the halfway line, I'll be happy."
