FRANK LAMPARD has sensationally revealed that Barcelona will be top
of his wish list if he ever calls it a day with Chelsea.

The England midfielder's growing friendship with Barca superstar
Ronaldhino and his increasing regard for the Spanish giants are big
factors when the 28-year-old looks beyond life at Stamford Bridge.

And the prospect of joining Barca grew when Lampard chatted with
Ronaldinho after Chelsea's Champions League defeat last season.

Respect



Lampard, whose current Chelsea deal runs until 2009,
explained: "After the game, Roni came over and we swapped shirts and
embraced.

"It was a mark of respect and friendship. Then he smiled at me in
this particular way and joked that one day we would be playing for
the same team.

"I thought about what he meant. There had been a lot of rumours
about Barca's interest in me and Roni had always been very generous
about me in interviews.

"The Barca directors had also been very friendly towards me at the
World Player of the Year event.

"Barca was the European team I was most interested in as a child in
the days of Maradona, Romario and Ronaldo.

"I have always been intrigued by their stadium and I grew to love
the city — more so since I have known my fiancee Elen and we have
visited her family there."

"People have suggested that Elen's roots may be a reason for me
leaving Chelsea. But she has never tried to influence me, and she's
happy wherever my career takes me.

"To have your name mentioned as a possible recruit for Barca is an
honour.

"If I ever had an ambition to play abroad, Barca would be one of the
clubs I would want to play for."