Frank Lampard Signs Children's Book Deal

Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard has signed a deal to write a series of children's books, called Frankie's Magic Football.

The midfielder, who is out of contract at his club at the end of this season, said he first had the idea after reading stories to his children.

Publishers Little Brown said the books, aimed at children aged five and over, will follow the adventures of schoolboy Frankie and his football-loving friends, and pet dog Max.

Lampard said: "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."

The 34-year-old has two daughters with his former fiancee Elen Rives. He is now engaged to TV presenter Christine Bleakley.

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 Harry Potter author 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.