Frank Lampard has hinted he could be playing his final days as a Chelsea player. England midfielder Lampard appeared resigned to his fate after helping the Blues into the Club World Cup final in Yokohama, saying: "Maybe things don't last forever."

"The ball is in Chelsea's court. I'm a Chelsea player, as simple as that. I've had a great, great time here.

"Maybe things don't last forever. Although I want it to last forever, you have to be big enough to know what it is."

Lampard is in the final year of his contract and has been linked with moves to Los Angeles Galaxy, Chinese club Guizhou Rehne and a host of other clubs - even Arsenal.

Already short in midfield, Chelsea are unlikely to let him leave in January but he could sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere.

Lampard added: "I'm not the kind of player to see out my time and sit with my bum on the bench too much. I want to be involved.

"That's my character. I will keep trying to do that, whatever the circumstances.

"I can't predict anything but I feel like I have two or three years at least in me at the top level. It is not for me to decide on this one.

"Whatever happens, I have had a great time at Chelsea. I am determined to play a few more years and see what pans out in the near future."