Frank Lampard insists he will not sulk if Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas leaves him out of the starting line-up on a regular basis and is determined to end his career at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard proved he still has plenty to offer with a superb performance in the 1-1 draw with Valencia at the Mestalla, scoring his 20th Champions League goal in the process.
It came just three days after it was claimed that the 33-year-old had stormed off following the club's 4-1 win at home against Swansea having been named on the bench for the third time in four matches.
The England international actually did an extra training session on the pitch after the Premier League game in order to prepare for the match against Valencia.
Lampard is adamant he will never show disrespect to Villas-Boas or his team-mates, even if he keeps being rotated in the future.
He told Standard Sport: "Storm off? I won't do that. I am very fortunate that I have had 10 years at Chelsea where I have been part of a fantastic group and we have been successful. I love the club, I love the fans.
"I feel great support from them for every moment, so the last thing I'd do when the team has played well is sulk or be happy to pick up my wages when I haven't been playing.
"I think it's a good thing to want to play but you have to be professional at the same time. That is what I will always try to do. Of course I still want to end my career at Chelsea and I don't want it to end soon.
"When I get a knockback I want to work hard. I didn't have to train after the game the other day but I wanted to do it to stay fit.
"If I don't do that extra running then maybe I wouldn't have arrived in the box to score the goal against Valencia."
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When asked if playing less games could help him prolong his career in much the same way as Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, he added: "If I had a crystal ball and could tell you what was the best pattern to keep me playing till I'm 40, I would do. My aim is to just keep as fit as I can and be ready when I'm asked to play.
"I know to be at my best, I need to play consistently because it keeps me at my sharpest."
Lampard also believes he is ready to return to his best form now he's back to full fitness following the groin and hernia injury that kept him sidelined for four months last term. He said: "I missed half the season last year and it wasn't easy coming back. Steven Gerrard has had a very similar one and I am delighted to see him back because I know how frustrating it can be.
"It wasn't easy coming back mid-season. We were struggling, we closed the gap on Manchester United in the title race but we couldn't quite do it.
"But I have had a nice summer break, had a lot of time to relax and now I am really ready to play and be part of a strong team.
"I don't want to just pick my money up and sit on my backside on the bench but you have to respect the manager."
UEFA today pledged to investigate reports that a laser was shone into Fernando Torres's eyes.
