Speculation over Frank Lampard’s future has ended, with the Chelsea veteran signing a one-year contract extension with the Stamford Bridge club. The England international’s deal in west London was due to expire this summer, with the Blues stalling on a new contract for the midfielder.
However, amid speculation that Lampard could move to Manchester United, LA Galaxy and numerous others, Roman Abramovich has delayed the stalwart’s departure for another 12 months.
Benoît Assou-Ekotto has again spoken out about badge kissers, claiming that loyalty to a club means more than kissing the badge, when you have no intention of staying.
“The reaction persists and, in France, it has been predominantly negative to the point where I find it almost pretentious,” he says, of the country of his birth. “To say that players should not appreciate the context in which they operate is stupid. Football is like a business now. In England, it’s more objective. People are more cool about players earning millions. It’s also not whether they agree with what I say, it’s that there is a respect for the fact I was man enough to say it. I must say, as well, that I have seen quite a few Spurs players kiss the badge and then fuck off. I am still here. What sort of mercenary stays for seven years? There is a part of me now that has a strong bond with the club. I would be quite happy to see out my playing career here, although I know that it’s not my call to make. I have every desire to see out my contractual obligations and, if possible, extend so that I can be here for long enough to play at the new stadium.”
The picture above shows Morten Gamst Pedersen kissing Blackburn’s badge following the goal he scored in his team’s 2-1 victory over Wigan in 2010.
After playing for various youth teams Mesut Özil joined Schalke 04 when he was 16-years-old. He spent a year and a half in their first team before falling out with club management and being sold to Werder Bremen for €4.3 million.
After two and a half seasons at Bremen, Özil became one of the most desirable signings in Europe after great performances for Germany in the World Cup. Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal were all keen to sign him but he opted for a move to Real Madrid.
Eljero Elia signed for Juventus on a four-year deal for €9million from Hamburger but struggled to get in the team. In fact, he only played five games in all competitions all season. On April 29th, he kissed Juventus’ badge… on June 11th he handed in a transfer request.
Elia was signed by Werder Bremen for €5.5million two weeks ago.
Born in Madrid, Guti joined Real Madrid when he was 10-years-old and made his way up through the ranks. After 24 years at the club, he moved on to Beşiktaş.
In August 2011, 7 Turkish soldiers were ambushed by a terrorist organisation, PKK, and the country was in mourning. Guti scored a goal in the following game, a 3-0 win over Alania in the Europa League, and celebrated by kissing the Turkey flag on his shirt.
Nani put Manchester United 1-0 up against Chelsea in the 2009 Community Shield and celebrated by kissing the badge.
The Portuguese winger has spent five years at Manchester United and after being linked with a move away from the club but seems keen to stay put.
“It is a great success for any player to be at Manchester United,” he said. “I have always said it and I do not regret it: my aim is to be the best in the world and playing at a club like United, I can achieve it. I do not see the Euros as a chance to prove what I can do for United. And even less so because Ferguson knows me perfectly – and that is why I am at United. Recognition for Portugal has nothing to do with Manchester United. My future? I have a contract with Manchester United and I am relaxed.”
Dani Alves was seen kissing the Barcelona badge following his team’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in 2011 Champions League final.
Alves joined Barcelona in 2008 after spending six years with Sevilla. At the press conference where his departure was announced, he burst in to tears. “I am what I am thanks to Sevilla,” he said. “What I have experienced here will be impossible to experience anywhere else. I give a heartfelt thanks to a club that is marked in my heart.”
Andriy Shevchenko spent seven seasons at AC Milan before making that £30m move to Chelsea. After scoring his first goal on his début for the Blues in the Community Shield against Liverpool he kissed their shirt.
The Italian press and fans of his former club reacted badly when the footage made its way back to Italy.
“I am telling you the truth, that the only shirt I kiss is the one of my country,” he said. “That is the one that matters for me.”
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has today announced his retirement from football.
The Dutch striker boasts an impressive 347 goals from 589 games in his club career as well 35 goals in 70 games for his country.
Despite picking up a yellow card which would see him miss the Champions League final, Ramires still scored the goal which put Chelsea in the final and kissed the badge to further express his love. Bless.
Gabriel Gómez of Philadelphia Union kisses the flag of his native Panama after scoring a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in a MLS game. His side lost 2-1.
Gómez made his debut for his country when he was still a teenager and now, aged 27-years-old, has represented Panama 75 times and played in three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments.
Martin Crossa was at Municipal for one season but this didn’t stop him from kissing the badge when celebrating his goal against Comunicaciones.
Eighteen months in to Borussia Dortmund career, Lucas Barrios kissed his club’s badge after scoring against VfL Wolfsburg.
