Lampard in Mourning for Mother

The mother of the Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has died, it was confirmed this afternoon. Pat Lampard, 58, had been admitted to hospital 10 days ago with pneumonia.

The England midfielder had missed the recent Premier League games against Wigan and Everton so that he could be by his mother's side, but played against Liverpool on Tuesday after she showed signs of positive improvement. Her condition then deteriorated.

Steve Kutner, the representative of the Chelsea player, made the following statement: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Pat Lampard passed way this afternoon. Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for the compassion shown to him by the manager Avram Grant and all the staff at Chelsea during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family.

"Frank and his family would also like to thank all the people who have been inundating them with wishes of support."

Chelsea also expressed their condolences. "Everybody at Chelsea is absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Pat Lampard, Frank's mother. Our sincerest and deepest condolences go out to Frank, his father Frank Snr, sisters Natalie and Claire and to their immediate family and friends.

"Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea. Her unswerving support for her son's career was evident at virtually every game that Frank participated in regardless of where it was being played, she would always be there to watch him with Frank's dad. Pat will be deeply missed by everyone at Chelsea.

"The club will be offering all the support it can to Frank and his family at this time."