Frank Lampard paid an emotional tribute to his family and all those who had helped him achieve such success as the Chelsea midfielder accepted the 2010 Football Writers’ Association Tribute Award.

The England international, 31, was recognised for his contribution to the game when honoured at a gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on January 17, sponsored by Barclays.

Lampard – who was the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2005 - started his career at West Ham under the tutelage of his father Frank Lampard Snr before moving to Chelsea in 2001 for £11million, and has gone on to win both the Barclays Premier League title as well as two FA Cup triumphs and helping the Blues reach the Champions League final.

However, the former Upton Park trainee stressed he would never have achieved so much but for the support of those around him as he rose through the Hammers youth ranks and on to play for England at the World Cup.

Harry Redknapp, the recipient of the FWA accolade in 2009, led the tributes to his nephew, whom he handed a start in the game while manager at West Ham alongside Frank Snr, hailing the dedication of a young midfielder who was devoted to improving himself with extra hours on the training pitch.

Lampard, who tragically lost his mother Pat during 2008, maintains he would not be the player he was today without such support.

However, the England midfielder is not finished just yet, as he looks ahead to helping Chelsea on to more success in 2010 and the World Cup in South Africa.

“It is unexpected for me, I am not quite getting towards the end of my career yet, but I am very proud of what I have achieved and to get recognition from the FWA is a huge thing,'' said Lampard

“The football writers are so hard to please. They see us every week. They are the critics of football and I am very proud that they have seen me in this light.”

Lampard added: “I am really enjoying my football at the moment. You get to 31 and you know you are past the middle part of your career now and I just want to make it last as long as you can.''

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho took time out to write a personal message in the FWA programme, giving a glowing account of his time spent with the midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

“I am so proud to have worked with such a man,'' said the Inter Milan boss.

“When I am asked who are the best players I have worked with, I will always say that Frank Lampard is amongst the greatest.

“Not because he has been successful but because he is driven every day to become better.''

Former winner Gary Lineker was one of many footballing stars, past and present, to attend, while there was a warm reception for Lady Elsie Robson, wife of the late Sir Bobby, as she accepted a gift from the Association.

FWA chairman Steve Bates commented: “In Frank Lampard, we honoured a man who is a shining example to many inside and outside football.

“Frank is a role model for youngsters everywhere.

“Not just for the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, but also in the way he has carved a glittering career for club and country through sheer dedication, hard work and total commitment to the cause.”