Frank Lampard- writer (photo)

Frank Lampard has signed a new deal - unfortunately for Chelsea fans it is with a publisher to write children’s books.

The midfielder, who is out of contract at the west London club at the end of this season, is writing a series of books, called Frankie’s Magic Football, for children aged five and over.

Publishers Little Brown said the books will follow the adventures of school boy Frankie, his football-loving friends, and pet dog Max.
Lampard said: 'I first had the idea of Frankie and his Magic Football when reading stories to my own children.

'Sport and reading are two essentials for us at home, so I decided to make up my own football stories and adventures.

'The characters are loosely based on friends and team mates I’ve played with over the years. I am delighted that Little Brown liked the stories as much as my children and will be publishing the Frankie’s Magic Football series.'

The first book, Frankie Versus The Pirate Pillagers, will be published in June followed by two more this year and another two in 2014.

Lampard’s publishing deal was handled by agents Neil Blair and Zoe King who also represent JK Rowling. They said the books were 'full of loveable characters on wacky adventures' and destined for 'great things'. Lampard is not the first footballer to write fiction - Arsenal star Theo Walcott has written a series of children’s books and former England manager, Terry Venables, co-wrote a series of crime novels.