Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has expressed his delight at the increased competition for places at the club.
Lampard, 34, found himself out of favour with former manager Andre Villas-Boas at times last season, but played a major part in Chelsea's revival under Roberto Di Matteo.
Di Matteo has brought in a host of attacking players this summer, with Marko Marin, Eden Hazard and Oscar all arriving at Stamford Bridge, leading to speculation over Lampard's future.
However, the England international insists that he is ready and willing to fight for his place in the side.
"Every year it gets harder because every year we bring in players. But I remember being 25 and we brought in four or five midfielders one summer. I wondered if I would be in the team and I played about 60 games," he told the club's official website.
"I have had a great career here and I wouldn't want the club to stand still. The club needs to move forward and bringing in quality midfield players is brilliant.
"Personally, I've had a long break this summer. Missing the Euros was disappointing but it gave me the chance to rest and come back with all guns blazing."
Lampard has been at Chelsea since 2001, scoring 186 goals in 558 games for the club.
Barney Corkhill
