Lampard decided to end talks over a new long-term contract because he did not want it to interfere with Chelsea’s season.

But following Jose Mourinho’s shock departure in September, speculation has mounted that Lampard would follow him out of the club at the end of the season.

However, the England midfielder, currently sidelined with a thigh injury, declared: “I want to stay at this club for the rest of my career. I do not think I would receive the love I get from the Chelsea fans anywhere else. I would love another six or seven years of it.

“On a scale of one to 10, Chelsea is a 10 for me in terms of importance. Everyone around me knows how much Chelsea means to me. In my life my family comes first but Chelsea comes second. I’m at a club I love and living in an area I love.”

Lampard, who is just one goal short of a century for the club, maintained the only reason the contract talks were postponed was because he wanted to concentrate on playing football and re-assured fans there was no sinister motive.

Lampard added: “Nothing has changed since the club and I decided that we wouldn’t talk until the end of the season. But I don’t want the fans to think there is anything sinister about it because I’m desperate to get it done.”

The midfielder has now set his sights on reaching 150 goals for the club and hopes to continue playing until he is at least 35.

Lampard said: “I see that Peter Osgood is on 150 goals for the club and I’d love to get to that level. I think I will carry on playing until I am around 35.

“I like to think I’m pretty fit and don’t rely on pace to get me through a game. Plus I will keep improving the more experience I get,” he told the London Evening Standard.

Meanwhile, despite speculation over his future, it is understood that England left-back Wayne Bridge is not for sale and Chelsea will not listen to any offers for the player.