The Frank Lampard contract debacle at Chelsea has taken a bizarre twist after the talismanic defender changed his name in order to force through negotiations on a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
The 34-year-old now wants to be known as the very continental sounding, Franc L’ampere and has told friends, family and all those around him to start referring to him as his Gaelic alter ego.
It is thought that the Premier League central midfielder has made the move to appear more European in a bid to convince Roman Abramovich that his future lies at the West London club.
With a plethora of exotic names in the Chelsea line up, the question of whether there’s a place for an experienced Englishman such as Lampard has been on the lips of football fans across the country, but this latest development has shocked everyone.
The strange turn of events was reported by Future News host and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright as he predicted the lates twist in the Frank Lampard saga.
You can see the full report below, but for now, it remains to be seen whether Mr L’ampere can convince the Blues’ owner to take a punt on an ageing star.