New York City FC on Wednesday confirmed that Frank Lampard will remain with Manchester City through the end of the club's current season, allowing for Lampard to participate in Manchester City's English Premier League and UEFA Champions League campaigns.
“Frank is a star and it is no surprise that Manchester City is rewarded by his contributions on the field every single day," said NYCFC Director of Football Claudio Reyna in a club statement. "He is eager to get to New York once his commitment ends in England and will be available to play on arrival as a permanent member of the squad given he will come to us having played at the highest level."
"His exact starting date with New York City FC will be confirmed as the EPL and MLS seasons unfold," according to the NYCFC club statement. "All parties remain in ongoing dialogue to create the best outcome for all."
The final matchday of the EPL season falls on Sunday, May 24, while the UEFA Champions League final will be played on June 6. Manchester City currently sit in second place in the EPL table, just three points behind Chelsea, and the clubs has also advanced to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 where they will face FC Barcelona on February 24 and March 18.
"We are all committed to making sure we build a winning team and that our fans get to enjoy great soccer at every single game," Reyna continued. "The opportunities open in the immediate transfer window combined with our recent successful draft ensure that we can continue to assemble a world-class team that will make New York City soccer fans proud.”
NYCFC unveiled Lampard as its second Designated Player on July 24 and a few days later on August 6 it was announced that he would join Manchester City.
Since joining the Citizens, the 36-year-old Lampard has scored six goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.
“Frank Lampard's performance at Manchester City reaffirms that he is one of the world’s elite midfielders and we look forward to him joining NYCFC during the 2015 season,” MLS Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott said in a league statement.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed on Wednesday that Lampard would be part of the Manchester City squad that will face Jozy Altidore's Sunderland on New Year's Day.
