Frank Lampard Completes MLS Move To NYC FC

Jun 4, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; England midfielder Frank Lampard (8) controls the ball in front of Ecuador midfielder Christian Noboa (6) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Former Chelsea FC midfielder Frank Lampard was officially introduced today as a member of the Manchester City owned MLS club New York City FC. The move to NYC FC has been long rumored since Lampard’s Chelsea future was in doubt and many have predicted that the England man would end up in the MLS for years. There were also rumors of other offers from clubs across Europe and Asia but it appears Frank Lampard has made the right choice for his next adventure.

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New York City FC is an expansion club in the MLS that is owned by Sheikh Mansour, the same man who owns Manchester City in the Premier League and Melbourne City of the Australian A-League. This connection will serve to bolster NYC FC’s scouting department and will give them access to players on loan and otherwise from the other “City” clubs. Even though the club has yet to play its first match, or even put together a full squad, excitement is high as they have signed superstars in Lampard and Spain striker David Villa. They have even been linked to Barcelona’s all-world midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

"“New York ticks all the right boxes for me. It’s very exciting. Chelsea will always have a huge place in my heart, but it’s now a new challenge. I had a fantastic 13 years there and can look back at that with pride, but it was a great time for me and Chelsea to move on. Having seen the vision of this club, I have seen a real long-term plan and I want to be involved and I want to keep on challenging myself.In terms of England, I’ve not had a lot of time after the World Cup. Getting my personal future was the most important, now I have to think about England. Now I know where I will be playing my football, I can make that decision and I will do soon.”-Frank LampardSource: BBC Sport"

New York City FC sporting director Claudio Reyna called Frank Lampard “one of the greatest players in Premier League history and in European and world football over the last 15 years” and he is certainly correct. Frank Lamard has won nearly every trophy at the club level with Chelsea and has always shown up when pulling on the England shirt. He is an asset to any club both on and off the pitch and he will be sorely missed at Chelsea. Best of luck in New York and MLS, Frank!

Watch the video of the announcement below:

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