Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard reaches 500-game landmark but his future is uncertain Lampard struck his side's fourth, a superbly hit long-range effort, ­minutes before he was substituted midway through the ­second half and the reception that accompanied his walk to the dugout confirmed the status he holds at Stamford Bridge. It was an emotional moment and, with Chelsea yet to say whether they intend offering a new contract to the 34 year-old whose current deal expires in June, one for the player to savour. Lampard's goal was his 130th in the top division, eclipsing the mark set by Bobby Tambling and was testimony to his enduring ability. "It means a lot," said Lampard, who was captain in the continuing absence of John Terry with a knee injury. The starts are great, I've been very fortunate to play for a great club and the managers and team-mates I've had, I'm very proud of that. The goals record, I'm very proud to beat such a great man as Bobby Tambling, who is an absolute legend and a lovely bloke. The fans of the club, from the moment I've been here having come across London from West Ham, they've supported me and that has grown and grown. I love them and appreciate them doing that. For how much longer remains uncertain. Rafael Benítez, the interim manager, indicated at one of his first press conferences after his appointment that he understood both Lampard and Ashley Cole would be allowed to leave. "I'm not concentrating that far as I'm under contract and I love playing here so I'm going to continue game by game, just be pleased to be fit," Lampard said. I believe I have a lot in me to go. The club's position is it's position, I don't want to get too deep into that. Benítez added: "He's training well, doing well, his commitment is there." Benítez believes his side remain contenders for the Premier league title after moving to third, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United.. "You can close the gap if you can see the team improving," he said. I'm sure it will be closer. I can see the team improving.