Lampard won't rule out one last stop in playing career

At 38 and without a club, you'd expect Frank Lampard to soon sidestep behind a television desk, go into coaching, or disappear from football altogether.

But the Chelsea legend's playing days aren't necessarily over.

In an interview with ex-England teammate Jamie Carragher for The Daily Mail, Lampard talked of his reluctance to step away from the game after thoroughly enjoying a spell with New York City FC, and wouldn't discount just one more move before hanging up his boots.

"I see you, Rio (Ferdinand) and Stevie (Gerrard), all retired," Lampard said after Carragher suggested a Chelsea return in order to pick up his fourth Premier League medal. "There is a part of me that wants to stay in the game. Sometimes I don't know why. It just feels this is what I do.

"I've had two months off now. It takes me six weeks to relax and realise I haven't got to train every day and think about the pressures.

"Stevie made up his mind and was comfortable finishing the way he did. I wasn't sure. I loved being in America. It was a great experience. People will be drawn to China because of the money but the lifestyle, everything about America, I couldn't recommend it enough."

Lampard, who represented West Ham United and Manchester City on either side of his 13-year Chelsea stay, would comfortably be the oldest in the Blues' squad if he returns - he's only seven months younger than Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe - but believes he still has the capability to play at a decent level.

"But in terms of not retiring? I don't want to leave and think to myself, 'Maybe I should have stayed a bit longer.' I'm dwelling on it," Lampard admitted. "I have turned down a few Premier League offers. But the fact is, after being at Chelsea for so long and a year with Manchester City, I don't want to get involved in a relegation dogfight."

The midfielder understands that in late January it would be hard to gain match sharpness and make a telling contribution at a new club, but he could still be encouraged if the challenge was tempting enough.

"I just want to make sure I make the right decision. I've appreciated getting options at 38. If something comes along that floats my boat, who knows? But nothing has, so we will see."