Chelsea land Lampard

Frank Lampard is keen to play European football

Frank Lampard has completed his £11m move from West Ham to Chelsea.

The midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea confirmed their latest signing at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

The England midfielder only had to agree personal terms after Chelsea settled the fee with West Ham on Monday.

Hopefully I can test myself against the best players in Europe and we can contest for trophies

  Chelsea's latest recruit Frank Lampard

He decided to leave West Ham when his father departed in the wake of Harry Redknapp's decision to quit Upton Park.

Several clubs, including Leeds and Aston Villa, were keen to secure Lampard's services.

But the young star's desire to stay in London appears to have been a key factor in his decision to join Chelsea.

"A lot happened at West Ham but I will always be grateful to them - they gave me my chance," Lampard explained.

"It's always been my ambition from day one to play European football.

People may think he is older because he's been around a bit but Frank is only 22

  Chelsea chief executive Colin Hutchinson on Lampard's potential

"Hopefully I can test myself against the best players in Europe and we can contest for trophies.

"The chance of European football and working with a well-respected coach (Claudio Ranieri) will bring my game on."

Lampard becomes Ranieri's first English signing as the Italian coach seeks to build on sixth place in the Premiership.

French defender William Gallas has already been snapped up and the Blues are hopeful of completing a deal for Emmanuel Petit by the end of the month.

Chelsea chief executive, Colin Hutchinson, added: "We have been bringing the age down in the squad for the last year.

"People may think he is older because he's been around a bit but Frank is only 22."