Petr Cech led the tributes on Twitter as Frank Lampard last night announced he would be leaving Chelsea.

The England midfielder’s contract expires on June 30 and the 35-year-old has revealed he will not be signing an extension.

He leaves as a Blues legend having made 648 appearances and became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with an incredible 211 strikes.

There was an outpouring of emotion on social media in reaction to the news from current and former players as well as pundits and fans.

Goalkeeper Cech’s tweet, which described playing with Lampard as one of the most influential Premier League players of all time, was typical of the sadness at the veterans departure.

Petr Cech's honour at playing alongside Lampard:

Chelsea mark Lampard's departure:

Former Blue Michael Duberry salutes Lampard as Chelsea's greatest:

The Premier League hails one of its true legends:

Meanwhile, departing favourite Lampard has hailed the impact billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich has had on the club since he took over from Ken Bates. Re-live Lampard's best moments in our gallery .           

And QPR manager Harrry Redknapp reckons the Blues are mad to let his nephew leave for free this summer.