Lampard: £35m deal not about the money

He has signed a five-year deal worth £35million which will see him bank as much as the club's top earner, John Terry, over the same period.

Talks almost collapsed after Lampard rejected a four-year deal worth £140,000 a week because he wanted one for five years worth £150,000 a week. Chelsea agreed to give him the length of the contract he wanted but with a reduced salary in the final two years.

Lampard, who had considered a move to Inter Milan, was accused of being greedy in some quarters but he said: "This was never about greed. I understand I am in a lucky position where I get to do something I love doing for which I get very well paid.

"My situation was a personal one and I needed time to make it right. It's unfortunate when people are talking solely about the money.

"Of course, in negotiations I was thinking about financial security. I have two kids and everything will go to them one day. My main concern was making the right football decision.

"The fans know that I am an honest and wholehearted person. I always give everything."

Lampard's priority now is to help Chelsea reach new heights. He has already won the Premier League twice during his seven years at Stamford Bridge, yet he feels there is a lot more to come.

He added: "We all believe we have another level to go to. There's a real strength and strong mentality among the lads this year.

"We are all at a very good age. No one is coming right to the end of their career having won everything and not interested in winning anything else.

"Everyone is hungry for things and we have great ability in the squad. I would like to bring the Premier League title back here. The two we won, particularly the first one, were unforgettable.

"I've got a strong belief we can bring it back. We'd obviously like to win that Champions League too. Tasting defeat is bitter but when you taste it, like we did last season, it makes you want to win it."

While Lampard's future has now been settled, Joe Cole and Didier Drogba have been told they will have to wait until next summer before Chelsea resume talks over a new contract.

Cole has two years left on his deal and it has been reported the midfielder is concerned over his role in the team following the first month of manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's reign.

Chelsea are relaxed over the affair and, with Lampard staying, have proved they can hang on to their best players.

But Cole is four years younger than his team-mate and the delay over an agreement will concern the fans, who voted him as the club's player of the year last season.

Drogba's situation is not so surprising because of concerns over a recurring knee problem and his previous declarations about wanting to move abroad.

The Ivory Coast striker claimed he was ready to commit to the club and was set to have more talks with Chelsea over extending his deal which runs out in 2012.

But chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "Both those contracts and discussions have been put on the shelf. The season is starting and those will be re-visited next year.

"All players just want to focus on football once the season starts, without distractions."

Kenyon confirmed the club are still in negotiations with Real Madrid over Robinho.

Privately, Chelsea remain confident they will sign the Brazil winger, although it may take to the end of the month.