Photo: Frank Lampard (Getty Images)
After becoming Chelsea’s all time leading scorer last season and confirming a move to the MLS, England legend Frank Lampard has joined English Champions Manchester City on loan from New York City FC. The 36 year old Chelsea legend will not start training with the MLS team until January 2015 and will represent the blue half of Manchester until then.
Lampard started his career at West Ham in their youth academy and spent 6 seasons in the first team despite a loan to Swansea City from October 1995 to January 1996. He then spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, Europa League and the Community Shield.
Reports emerged earlier in the week that the former England midfielder would sign for Man City despite an interest from Australian team Melbourne City. However his move to the Etihad was confirmed by City manager Manuel Pellegrini after their pre-season friendly loss to Olympiacos.
He said, “As you know, Frank has signed a contract with New York City and will start working here (in the US) in January as the season starts in March. From next Wednesday he will start working with our team and will play for us until then. At the moment he will work with the squad and be a member of the squad. He will fight for a position.”
He continued, “He knows we have a very good team, we have a lot of players in his position. He is one player more.We have a lot of games, particularly with the Champions League so he’s very important for our team.”
Pellegrini was asked if Lampard would face his former club Chelsea who is scheduled to play City September 21 and he said he would ‘talk to the 36 year old about these things.’
Lampard joins Fernando, Willy Caballero and Bacary Sagna as the new summer additions at the Etihad. He may not be the last addition for Pellegrini because French defender Eliaquim Mangala is expected to sign from Porto.
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