Chelsea have described Frank Lampard as one of the club's "very greatest players", following confirmation that he will leave the London side this summer.

The midfielder revealed that he will not sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge, ending his 13-year spell with the club.

A statement on the club's website said: "One of the delights of football fandom is being able to compare, to contrast, to judge, across generations, continents and platforms.

"That Lampard has won more international caps while playing for Chelsea than anyone else in our history only strengthens the argument that he is one of the very greatest players to have represented the club.

"Any Chelsea supporter who has had the good fortune to watch Super Frank Lampard in full flow will know we have never seen his like in our midfield before, and we will be very blessed to again see his equal."

Lampard has been linked with a move to newly-formed MLS side New York City.