2nd August, 2014
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that New York City FC midfielder Frank Lampard will join the English champions on loan until January 2015.
The former Chelsea midfielder was released by the London club this summer after 13 years at Stamford Bridge, his 211 goals in 649 matches making him the club’s record scorer.
The 36-year old signed for New York City last month on a two-year contract is expected to join the rest of the Manchester City squad on Wednesday 6 August. Lampard agreed to join City because New York City’s season does not start until March 2015. The Major League Soccer franchise is owned by Manchester City and baseball giants New York Yankees.
Manchester City declined to comment, but Lampard could be at their Carrington training ground as early as next week for manager Manuel Pellegrini to monitor his fitness.
The loan deal is likely to run until mid-January, and City plan to register the England international for both their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Manchester City won their second Premier League title in three years last season, with Chelsea finishing third. The two sides meet at Etihad Stadium on 21 September.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Lampard was Chelsea’s vice-captain and won the Premier League title three times and the Champions League and Europa League once apiece.
The former West Ham player also helped the Blues win four FA Cups and the League Cup twice.
On signing for New York City FC, Lampard said: “New York ticks all the right boxes for me. It’s very exciting.”
Former Spain striker David Villa, 32, has also joined the MLS franchise, though he will spend three months on loan at Melbourne FC, Manchester City’s Australian partner club.
Lampard, who won his 106th England cap during the World Cup in Brazil, said he would make a decision on his international career once his club future was finalised.