Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Lampard wins Chelsea gong

22 May 2009 - 08:39:45

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Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has spoken of his pride after becoming the first three-time winner of the club's player of the year award.

Lampard, 30, has scored 19 goals in 56 appearances for the Blues this season and was honoured at the club's end of season awards ceremony.

After passing two-time winners Ray Wilkins, John Terry, Dennis Wise and Gianfranco Zola, the 2004 and 2005 winner said: "It feels great because of the amount of top-quality players who have won this award.

"When I came here I never expected to win it three times at all. I just wanted to establish myself but getting this award and the recognition from your own fans is a huge thing in football. I am absolutely delighted."

Elsewhere, Michael Essien won the goal of the season award for his stunning 30-yard volley in the Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Barcelona.

"I meant to do it because when I saw the ball coming that was the only option that came to my mind, I tried to take it and I had a bit of luck," said the Ghanaian of his thunderbolt strike.

"It is difficult to score those kinds of goals and you need a bit of luck."

Meanwhile, Full-back Ashley Cole won the players' player of the year accolade and Michael Mancienne was named the young player of the year.